This book puts hydrogen sulfide in context with other gaseous mediators such as nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, reviews the available mechanisms for its biosynthesis and describes its physiological and pathophysiological roles in a wide variety of disease states. Hydrogen sulfide has recently been discovered to be a naturally occurring gaseous mediator in the body. Over a relatively short period of time this evanescent gas has been revealed to play key roles in a range of physiological processes including control of blood vessel caliber and hence blood pressure and in the regulation of nerve function both in the brain and the periphery. Disorders concerning the biosynthesis or activity of hydrogen sulfide may also predispose the body to disease states such as inflammation, cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Interest in this novel gas has been high in recent years and many research groups worldwide have described its individual biological effects. Moreover, medicinal chemists are beginning to synthesize novel organic molecules that release this gas at defined rates with a view to exploiting these new compounds for therapeutic benefit.

Protein conversion from a water-soluble native conformation to the insoluble aggregates and fibrils, which can deposit in amyloid plaques, underlies more than 20 human diseases, representing a major public health problem and a scientific challenge. Such a conversion is called protein misfolding. Protein misfolding can also involve errors in the topology of the folded proteins and their assembly in lipid membranes. Lipids are found in nearly all amyloid deposits in vivo, and can critically influence protein misfolding in vitro and in vivo in many different ways. This book focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the role of lipids in modulating the misfolding of various proteins. The main emphasis is on the basic biophysical studies that address molecular basis of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, and the role of lipids in this complex process.

This book gathers together contributions from internationally renowned authors in the field of cardiovascular systems and provides crucial insight into the importance of sex- and gender-concepts during the analysis of patient data. This innovative title is the first to offer the elements necessary to consider sex-related properties in both clinical and basic studies regarding the heart and circulation on multiscale levels (i.e. molecular, cellular, electrophysiologically, neuroendocrine, immunoregulatory, organ, allometric, and modeling). Observed differences at (ultra)cellular and organ level are quantified, with focus on clinical relevance and implications for diagnosis and patient management. Since the cardiovascular system is of vital importance for all tissues, Sex-Specific Analysis of Cardiovascular Function is an essential source of information for clinicians, biologists, and biomedical investigators. The wide spectrum of differences described in this book will also act as an eye-opener and serve as a handbook for students, teachers, scientists and practitioners.

When we began to organize the workshop "Calcium and Cellular Metabolism: Transport and Regulation" the goal we had in mind was to put together the knowledge of 2 several specialists on Ca + homeostasis, with various examples of cellular metabolisms 2 2 (such as protein synthesis), regulated by Ca + ions. Regarding the homeostasis of Ca + ions, we invited Ernesto Carafoli to write the first chapter as a general state-of-the-art introductory review. On the other hand, the other chapters are the contribution of different specialists on membrane calcium transport mechanisms, aiming to reunite at least in part the wide field of calcium homeostasis. We roughly try to group chapters that share similar subjects. The first group of chapters (Chapters 2 to 6), are mainly related to calcium channels. Thus, Chapter 2 by Rodolfo Llimis et a . describes a new concept related to the dimen sions of the calcium action domain at the inner mouth of calcium channels in the squid gi ant synapse and its relationship to neurotransmitter release. Chapter 3 by Martin Morad et a . informs us about new ways of identifying and measuring, by confocal microscopy, in dividual sites where calcium release occurs in ventricular myocytes. In the same group Osvaldo Uchitel and Eleonora Katz classify and evaluate the variety of calcium channels at the neuromuscular junction, in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 by Gustavo Brum et a ."

Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury will improve readers' understanding of the complexities of diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injuries. Featuring chapters on drug delivery, different treatments, and rehabilitation, this volume discusses in detail the impact early diagnosis and effective management has on the long-term prognosis of these injuries and the lives of those affected. This book will be relevant for neuroscientists, neurologists, clinicians, and anyone working to better understand these injuries.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells Development brings together articles covering the biology of hematopoietic stem cells during embryonic development, reporting particular aspects of fly, fish, avian and mammalian models. Thus, this book allows a comparative overview of hematopoietic stem cell generation in the different classes, emphasizing the conserved trends in development. This book culminates with state-of-the art knowledge on hematopoietic development in human species and discussions of the most recent breakthroughs with relevance to both researchers and clinicians.

This book provides the reader with a contemporary and comprehensive overview about the molecular, cellular and system-wide principles of circadian clock regulation. Emphasis is placed on the importance of circadian clocks for the timing of therapeutic interventions.

Radicals for Life: the Various Forms of Nitric Oxide provides an up-to-date overview of the role of nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes in physiology. Nitrosocompounds can be considered as stabilised forms of nitric oxide, one of the most important regulatory molecules in physiology today. Many nitrosocompounds share some of the physiological functions of nitric oxide, and may be formed inside living organisms. This is the first book to be published that is dedicated to the role of such nitrosocompounds in physiology, with particular emphasis on the nitrosocompounds that are endogenously formed in higher organisms and humans.
Points of discussion include: physical and chemical properties of the compounds, the main chemical pathways in vivo, as well as the physiological effects that have been recognised to date. Each of the nineteen chapters is written by distinguished specialists in the field, well known for their original and important contributions to the subject. Also included are results from a wide range of studies in vitro, in cell cultures, animal models and human volunteers.
Examples of alternative forms of nitric oxide, with special emphasis on their protective role against widespread human diseases like atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and renal insufficiency to stroke and ischemia are also included.
* First monograph to consider and provide an overview of endogenous nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes
* Extensive bibliographic references, written by specialists of human physiology
* Providing high scientific quality with a focus on implications for human diseases

This book covers all aspects of oxygen delivery to tissue, including blood flow and its regulation as well as oxygen metabolism. Special attention will be paid to methods of oxygen measurement in living tissue and application of these technologies to understanding physiological and biochemical basis for pathology related to tissue oxygenation. This book is multidisciplinary and designed to bring together experts and students from a range of research fields including biochemical engineering, physiology, microcirculation, and hematology.

For courses in anatomy & physiology for health professions, and comprehensive medical assisting. Where A&P meets pathology: A stimulating exploration Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: An Interactive Journey for Health Professionals provides an engaging introduction to interrelationships in A&P and pathology, with emphasis on clinical applications. Conversational and humorous, the text uses real-world analogies to enable true understanding - rather than memorization - and to create lasting connections. The 3rd edition presents the latest research and clinical applications in human A&P, plus new visual aids and practice opportunities. A student workbook, available separately, offers interactive exam prep resources, including concept maps and crossword puzzles. New! Also available with MyLab Health Professions By combining trusted author content with digital tools and a flexible platform, MyLab (TM) personalizes the learning experience and improves results for each student. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; MyLab does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with MyLab, ask your instructor to confirm the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and MyLab, search for: 0135188881 / 9780135188880 Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: An Interactive Journey for Health Professionals Plus MyLab Health Professions with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package, 3/e Package consists of: 0134876369 / 9780134876368 Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease: An Interactive Journey for Health Professionals, 3/e 0134880196 / 9780134880198 MyLab Health Professions with Pearson eText--Access Card--for Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease, 3/e

In 1979 Dr Sperelakis published the `Origin of the Cardiac Resting Potential' in the Handbook of Physiology of the Heart. Since that time, many investigators and teachers of membrane biophysics have used this article as a source of reference on the fundamental principles and equations describing the factors that establish the resting potential in excitable and non-excitable cells. Professor Sperelakis has expanded the scope of this article to provide the present book, creating a comprehensive work and an invaluable reference on the electrophysiological concepts underlying cellular excitability. There has long been a need for a text which precisely defines the assumptions underlying the derivations and equations that describe the principles of electrical excitability and maintenance of ion gradients in excitable cells. Here, Professor Sperelakis not only defines the equations and underlying concepts of membrane potentials, but gives working examples of solutions, thus allowing investigators to utilize the fundamental principles in their research, and students of membrane physiology to establish a sound basis of electrophysiological theory. `I have used the `Origin of the Cardiac Resting Potential' in graduate courses on cell physiology and biophysics, and look forward to using this new book. The time and effort required to put this work together reflects the dedication of Dr Sperelakis to the field of membrane biophysics and electrophysiology in his long, productive career.' From the Foreword by Dr David R. Harder.

Nitric Oxide in Transplant Rejection and Anti-Tumor Defense represents a unique combination of three interrelated topics that is unavailable in any other single work: The detection and visualization of nitric oxide in biological materials using EPR spectroscopy and EPR imaging; Nitric oxide in immune mechanisms of allograft rejection; and The involvement of nitric oxide in anti-tumor defense. By bringing together specialists from these three disciplines, the book investigates the common molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying phenomena in transplants and oncology. In addition, the book provides an introduction to biological applications of EPR spectroscopy and imaging. Nitric Oxide in Transplant Rejection and Anti-Tumor Defense will appeal to researchers and graduate-level students investigating transplant rejections and their immune mechanisms, anti-tumor immune defenses, novel types of contrast agents for EPR imaging, and biological applications of EPR spectroscopy and EPR imaging.

Proceedings of an international symposium, held in Ulm, Germany, September 21-24, 1994

The year 2010 marks the centennial for the identification of histamine and the first glimpse of its many physiological functions. From these initial findings a rich tapestry of research has uncovered roles for histamine in almost every physiological process with new findings emerging every year. These diverse roles of histamine have made for fertile ground for the discovery of novel therapeutics, and these drugs have been so successful that the term "antihistamine" has entered the common lexicon. This volume is an attempt to give a snapshot in time as to the current understanding of the role of histamine in just one important therapeutic area-inflammation. The first three chapters provide some background context for the rest of the book starting out with a historical perspective by Figueroa and Shankley. Bongers et al provide an overview of the pharmacology of the four histamine receptors and the chapter by Hiroshi Ohtsu describes how histamine is synthesized as well as the insights derived from mice where this synthesis is disrupted. The next several chapters discuss disease areas where histamine is known to be involved. Chapter 4 by Thomas Taylor-Clark outlines the role of histamine in allergic rhinitis, an area were antihistamines are commonly used. This is also true for ocular allergy as discussed by Ohbayashi et al. Both of these chapters highlight aspects of these conditions that are still not well-controlled and suggest the utility of new antihistamines targeting other histamine receptors.

Conceptually unsavoury, airway mucus is vital to homeostasis in the respiratory tract. In contrast, when abnormal, mucus contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of a number of severe bronchial diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. This volume provides wide ranging and in-depth coverage of the scientific and clinical aspects of airway mucus. It commences with introductory chapters which address the biochemical and molecular biological basis of airway mucus and continues with comprehensive coverage of the various physiological and rheological aspects of respiratory secretions. The clinical aspects of the topic are then considered, with chapters discussing the involvement of mucus secretions in bacterial infection and in hypersecretory diseases of the airway. The volume concludes with a discussion of the therapeutic aspects of the topic, both in terms of the possible approaches to the treatment of mucus hypersecretion and the interaction of these drugs with airway mucus. Written by leading experts in the field, each contribution provides a comprehensive review of its particular subject. Reflecting the latest advances in this important area of respiratory research, this volume will be of great interest to scientists and clinicians working in the field of airway secretions and related areas.

This book brings together the various fields of functional genomics and systems biology that provide information on metabolic function. There is special emphasis on the identification of drug targets. The book includes practical examples from the various "omic" sciences as well as theoretical examples of how integrated knowledge of these sciences can be applied to drug discovery. It is of interest to researchers in the pharmaceutical drug discovery environment.

This conference and monograph were the result of many collective efforts. The whole concept was formulated one early Wednesday morning at our weekly research meeting at Children's Hospital in our division of urology. We have been most fortunate to have a close collaboration with Bob Levin, Ed Macarak, and Pam Howard who have helped steer the course of our division's growing interest in basic science. At our weekly meetings our laboratory fellow will summarize their current work. Other ongoing areas of investigation in our labs and elsewhere are discussed. We have always made an effort to try and understand what other groups are doing who are working in the area of bladder smooth muscle research. It occurred to us that the best way to really know what everyone working in this field was doing would be to sponsor a 2-day meeting where we could all gather to discuss our ongoing work. A major limitation of the annual meeting of the American Urologic Association or the urology section of the American Academy of Pediatrics is that the scientfic sessions are limited as these are meant to be primarily clinical meetings (as they should be). For this reason the idea of a meeting devoted solely to research about the urinary bladder had great appeal. In addition to allowing for longer presentations than the standard 5 to 7 minutes, every effort would be made to encourage a dialogue amongst the presenters and the audience.

Nutrition and Osteoporosis: Seeing Through a Glass, Darkly (1 Cor. 13:12) This volume of Advances in Nutritional Research deals with the present state of knowledge relative to the role of nutrition in the etiology of osteoporosis, one of the most serious degenerative diseases in the aging population. As a back drop for subsequent chapters on specific nutrients, Chapter 1 provides a com prehensive account of the gain and loss of bone throughout the life cycle, with emphasis on the architectural changes in later life that predispose to osteoporotic bone fractures. Chapter 2 documents the occurrence of aging bone loss through out human archeological history and Chapter 3 extends this documentation to all non-human vertebrate species so far examined, including primates living in the wild. It is apparent that a progressive loss of bone tissue is a normal accompaniment of aging among higher vertebrates. Whether it is a cause of bone fractures in animals, as it is in humans, is still unknown. It has also been established that there are significant differences in the frequency of osteoporotic fractures among human families, ethnic groups, national populations and diet cultures. Numerous studies have been carried out in an effort to explain these differences, and many of these deal with the possible effect of nutrition. Protracted controversies over the role of nutrition in the etiology of osteoporosis are reflected in the contents of several of the ensuing chapters."

Strong body odor is a condition for which, until now, there have been few treatment methods. The Japanese authors, encouraged by the willingness of Oriental patients to undergo radical treatment, have developed the subcutaneous tissue shaving method, which eliminates the condition in a very short period of time without ugly scarring. The book Human Body Odor not only introduces the completely new subcutaneous tissue shaving method, it also questions conventional theories on the hair cycle itself and throws a new hypothesis about the process of hair generation and regeneration into the scientific arena. This could even lead in the future to a formula for retarding hair loss! Developed over the past twenty years, the authors' new surgical method for the radical treatment of bromidrosis represents a landmark in cosmetic surgery and dermatology!

As a research subject, the biomechanics of the urinary bladder are relatively young, yet medical problems associated with them are as old as mankind. Offering an update on recent achievements in the field, the authors highlight the underlying biological, chemical and physical processes of bladder function and present the systematic development of a mathematical model of the organ as a thin, soft biological shell. The book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers interested in the applications of computational mathematics and solid mechanics to modern problems in biomedical engineering and medicine.

Comprehensive overview of different aspects of autophagy as it relates to neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of the main neurodegenerative disorders includes either the accumulation of altered or misfolded proteins or exposure to several toxics. Autophagy constitute one of the two principal cellular pathways implicate in the clearance of these material and can serve as a neuroprotective mechanism. Topics include: the role of autophagy in the brain, the role of autophagy in the principal neurodegenerative disorders, and the mechanism by which different molecules cause neurotoxicity and the role autophagy plays.

The understanding how complement relates to glomerular diseases has evolved considerably during the last years. Substantial evidence has accumulated that explain how a defective or deregulated complement system results in kidney diseases. The combination and close interaction of basic research with clinical medicine has demonstrated an important role of complement effector and regulatory proteins in pathological settings of the kidney. A large panel of distinct human kidney diseases such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), membrano proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and in ischemic reperfusions injury and transplantation are caused by defective complement control. Genetic analyses have identified mutations in complement regulators that are associated with these diseases. Mutations have been identified in the fluid phase alternative pathway regulator Factor H and the membrane regulator Membrane Cofactor Protein MCP (CD46). The functional characterization of the mutant proteins allows to define the pathophysiological events on a molecular level. These new concepts and data on disease mechanisms already allowed to establish new diagnostic and novel promising therapeutic approaches for several human kidney diseases.

Discusses the elements of the human body. Includes suggestions for related experiments and projects.