This volume highlights the recent advances in the understanding of the endocannabinoid system and the likely benefit from the therapeutic effects of cannabinoid treatment in a variety of health issues. Archeological evidence has shown that Cannabis has a long history of use for multiple purposes, including the treatment of medical conditions. The primary active constituent of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol ( 9-THC), causes euphoria, enhancement of sensory perception, tachycardia, antinociception, difficulties in concentration and impairment of memory, among other effects. Despite these undesirable effects, signaling is mostly inhibitory and suggests a putative role for cannabinoids as therapeutic agents by managing several diseases where inhibition of neurotransmitter release would be beneficial. The themes of this book have been edited and written by world-leaders in the field, The contents of the volume aims at readers from a range of academic and professional disciplines, such as biomedicine, several areas of biology, neurology, clinical medicine and pharmacy.

This second edition offers 88 chapters divided among three volumes providing the most comprehensive source of know-how in the wide-ranging field of Mitochondrial Medicine. Volume I guides readers through chapters on QSAR models, DQAsomes, synthesis of Triphenylphosphonium Phospholipid Conjugates, testing of novel isomeric mitochondriotropic derivatives, mTRIP, mitochondria-targeted imaging nanoplatforms, live-cell assessment, mitochondrial coenzyme Q10, rat liver Mitochondrial Lipidome, and Mito-SinCe2. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, application details for both the expert and non-expert reader, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Mitochondrial Medicine, Second Edition, Volume 1: Targeting Mitochondria aims to be a comprehensive source of know-how in the wide-ranging field of Mitochondrial Medicine.

Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis: A Handbook for Healthcare Research provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and methods that healthcare researchers need when considering, conducting or using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis projects. Written and edited by researchers with substantial experience in the field, the book details key concepts and practical guidance for each stage of an IPD meta-analysis project, alongside illustrated examples and summary learning points. Split into five parts, the book chapters take the reader through the journey from initiating and planning IPD projects to obtaining, checking, and meta-analysing IPD, and appraising and reporting findings. The book initially focuses on the synthesis of IPD from randomised trials to evaluate treatment effects, including the evaluation of participant-level effect modifiers (treatment-covariate interactions). Detailed extension is then made to specialist topics such as diagnostic test accuracy, prognostic factors, risk prediction models, and advanced statistical topics such as multivariate and network meta-analysis, power calculations, and missing data. Intended for a broad audience, the book will enable the reader to: Understand the advantages of the IPD approach and decide when it is needed over a conventional systematic review Recognise the scope, resources and challenges of IPD meta-analysis projects Appreciate the importance of a multi-disciplinary project team and close collaboration with the original study investigators Understand how to obtain, check, manage and harmonise IPD from multiple studies Examine risk of bias (quality) of IPD and minimise potential biases throughout the project Understand fundamental statistical methods for IPD meta-analysis, including two-stage and one-stage approaches (and their differences), and statistical software to implement them Clearly report and disseminate IPD meta-analyses to inform policy, practice and future research Critically appraise existing IPD meta-analysis projects Address specialist topics such as effect modification, multiple correlated outcomes, multiple treatment comparisons, non-linear relationships, test accuracy at multiple thresholds, multiple imputation, and developing and validating clinical prediction models Detailed examples and case studies are provided throughout.

This book provides an authoritative overview of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment menus for 16 pain categories with an evidence-based literature review on each pain disorder, illustrative figures showing anatomy and techniques Introductory chapters cover basic information about the mechanism, function and the analgesic effects of the BoNTs based on the data derived from animal studies. Clinical chapters define pain in conditions such as post-herpetic and post-traumatic neuralgias, plantar fasciitis, low back pain, post-surgical pain syndromes and migraine in detail, provide discussion of current modes of treatment and updated information on BoNT therapy. Each chapter also includes illustrative case histories. The new edition is updated with all the new findings since the explosion in research and literature since 2015. New chapters on the history and pain in dentistry round out the update. Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Pain Disorders provides an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers involved in the treatment of pain disorders including neurologists, pain medicine specialists, anesthesiologists, internists, those conducting research in pharmacology and toxicology as well as students in these areas.

Much research has focused on the basic cellular and molecular biological aspects of stem cells. Much of this research has been fueled by their potential for use in regenerative medicine applications, which has in turn spurred growing numbers of translational and clinical studies. However, more work is needed if the potential is to be realized for improvement of the lives and well-being of patients with numerous diseases and conditions.This book series 'Cell Biology and Translational Medicine (CBTMED)' as part of SpringerNature's longstanding and very successful Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series, has the goal to accelerate advances by timely information exchange. Emerging areas of regenerative medicine and translational aspects of stem cells are covered in each volume. Outstanding researchers are recruited to highlight developments and remaining challenges in both the basic research and clinical arenas. This current book is the thirteenth volume of a continuing series.

This book is the first of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. HDL comprises a diverse group of lipoproteins and its composition and metabolism are dynamic. In this volume, the focus is on the changes observed in HDL under different health statuses, with particular attention to the functional and structural correlations of HDL and apolipoprotein A-1. The impacts of a wide variety of factors on HDL are examined in depth, covering, for example, diet, exercise, smoking, age, diverse diseases, and different forms of environmental pollution. It has long been known that HDL has anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic properties, and more recently its anti-aging activities have been recognized. These benefits of HDL are highly dependent on its lipids, proteins, apolipoproteins, and enzymes, and specifically their composition and ratios. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

This book examines the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with aging. It comprehensively describes the genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and metabolic regulation of aging, as well as some important age-related diseases. Divided into two major sections, it takes readers through the various aspects of aging in a story-like manner and suggests various interventions for healthy aging, such as dietary restriction, regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a balanced and a non-stressful lifestyle. It describes the implications of aging on the nervous system, metabolism, immunity and stem cells as well as care for the elderly. The book is an ideal companion for both new and established researchers in the field and is also useful for educators, clinicians and policy makers.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Morphine and Related Alkaloids; by N. Chida * Opioids in Preclinical and Clinical Trials; by H. Nagase and H. Fujii * Synthesis of 14-Alkoxymorphinan Derivatives and Their Pharmacological Actions; by H. Schmidhammer and M. Spetea * 14-Amino-4,5-Epoxymorphinan Derivatives and Their Pharmacological Actions; by J. W. Lewis and S. M. Husbands * Nonpeptidic Delta ( ) Opioid Agonists and Antagonists of the Diarylmethylpiperazine Class: What Have We Learned?; by S. N. Calderon * Synthesis of Neoclerodane Diterpenes and Their Pharmacological Effects; by K. M. Lovell, K. M. Prevatt-Smith, A. Lozama and T. E. Prisinzano * Synthesis of Novel Basic Skeletons Derived from Naltrexone; by H. Nagase and H. Fujii * Twin and Triplet Drugs in Opioid Research; by H. Fujii * 3D-Pharmacophore Identification for -Opioid Agonists Using Ligand-Based Drug-Design Techniques; by N. Yamaotsu and S. Hirono

The present book on Molecular & Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Strategies of ovarian cancer is one of two companion books with the second one being focused on Cell and Molecular Biology of Ovarian Cancer. Both books include new exciting aspects of ovarian cancer research with chapters written by experts in their respective fields who contributed their unique expertise in specific ovarian cancer research areas and include cell and molecular details that are important for the specific subtopics. Comprehensive and concise reviews are included of key topics in the field.

This book consists of 3 volumes: Basic Science (Volume 1), Clinical Science (Volume 2) and Technology and Methodology (Volume 3). Volume 2 focuses on the clinical aspects of autophagy research, discussing the role of autophagy in neuropsychiatric disorders, the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and endocrine systems, as well as tumors, infection, the kidney, and the respiratory and hematological systems. It also addresses autophagy-related drug development. Written and edited by a team of 90 experts, and presenting the state of the art in autophagy research, this book is a valuable reference resource for researchers and clinicians alike. It can also be used as supplementary material for graduate students majoring in biology and medicine

Since its inception as an international principle to protect the welfare of patients and volunteers taking part in medical research, informed consent has become increasingly important within healthcare. Despite its ubiquitous status, there are a number of scholars who are beginning to question whether consent is adequate for contemporary biomedical research. The Limits of Consent considers a number of criticisms that have been levelled at the prominence given to autonomy, a central tenet underpinning the rationale for informed consent in Western bioethics. It raises questions about how quickly and easily this principle has been adopted, and how appropriate it is for those actively engaged in research. In the context of genetic research, for example, the individual's overriding right of autonomy to give consent to research could have huge implications for other members of their families.
The Limits of Consent questions the assumption that informed consent protects or facilitates individual autonomy, and discusses empirical studies which suggest that gaining a truly informed consent can be difficult to achieve in practice. With the expectation of treatment and guidance from the physician, how much is the process of consent governed by social norms and expectations? The Limits of Consent focuses upon three principal areas within biomedical research: clinical trials, genetic research, and research with those who may have impaired capacity to consent. It is a truly multi-disciplinary book, incorporating perspectives from medicine, law, philosophy and sociology.
The Limits of Consent is a fascinating exploration of the inadequacies of consent, and will appeal to those in the fields of bioethics, socio-legal studies, sociology, and health law. Policy makers, research ethics committee members, and those healthcare professionals with an interest in medical ethics, will also find the book of interest.

Signal Processing in Medicine and Biology: Innovations in Big Data Processing provides an interdisciplinary look at state-of-the-art innovations in biomedical signal processing, especially as it applies to large data sets and machine learning. Chapters are presented with detailed mathematics and complete implementation specifics so that readers can completely master these techniques. The book presents tutorials and examples of successful applications and will appeal to a wide range of professionals, researchers, and students interested in applications of signal processing, medicine, and biology at the intersection between healthcare, engineering, and computer science.

This volume covers current research in the usage of magnetic nanoparticles for drug delivery. It discusses synthesis methods, stabilizers used for surface coating on MNPs, and potential target ligands which can be used to ferry payloads to the targeted disease region. It also highlights the factors affecting delivery efficiency and toxicity, as well as the different routes of administration. The content also focus on the use of these carriers for gene therapy and to target brain tumors. This volume will be of interest to researchers working on drug discovery and delivery platforms.

This book focuses on microplastics as emerging persistent contaminants in terrestrial environments. Scientists from around the globe review recent advances in multi-disciplinary research on micro(nano)plastics, including analytical methods; the sources, fate and distribution of microplastics; ecological risks; toxicity and health risks; and control and countermeasures for microplastics in terrestrial environments. Offering a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial environments, the book is a valuable resource for environmental researchers, ecologists and toxicologists, as well as for policymakers and non-experts.

Research on cannabis and sleep is emerging with promising results. This book offers current and comprehensive knowledge on cannabinoid research results in connection with sleep. The volume covers aspects of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, the pharmacology of cannabinoids, neurobiology and pharmacology of sleep and wakefulness, and the benefits and side effects of cannabis on the central nervous system. It further discusses the putative therapeutical properties of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids and their potential for the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, REM sleep behavior disorder, and restless legs syndrome. The book is written by medical and scientific experts in this field and intended for researchers from a range of disciplines such as biomedicine, biology, neurosciences, clinical medicine, neurology, and pharmacology.

This book begins with an introduction of pragmatic cluster randomized trials (PCTs) and reviews various pragmatic issues that need to be addressed by statisticians at the design stage. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of PCT, and provides sample size formulas, sensitivity analyses, and examples for sample size calculation. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) method will be employed to derive sample size formulas for various types of outcomes from the exponential family, including continuous, binary, and count variables. Experimental designs that have been frequently employed in PCTs will be discussed, including cluster randomized designs, matched-pair cluster randomized design, stratified cluster randomized design, stepped-wedge cluster randomized design, longitudinal cluster randomized design, and crossover cluster randomized design. It demonstrates that the GEE approach is flexible to accommodate pragmatic issues such as hierarchical correlation structures, different missing data patterns, randomly varying cluster sizes, etc. It has been reported that the GEE approach leads to under-estimated variance with limited numbers of clusters. The remedy for this limitation is investigated for the design of PCTs. This book can assist practitioners in the design of PCTs by providing a description of the advantages and disadvantages of various PCTs and sample size formulas that address various pragmatic issues, facilitating the proper implementation of PCTs to improve health care. It can also serve as a textbook for biostatistics students at the graduate level to enhance their knowledge or skill in clinical trial design. Key Features: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of PCTs, and provide sample size formulas, sensitivity analyses, and examples. Address an unmet need for guidance books on sample size calculations for PCTs; A wide variety of experimental designs adopted by PCTs are covered; The sample size solutions can be readily implemented due to the accommodation of common pragmatic issues encountered in real-world practice; Useful to both academic and industrial biostatisticians involved in clinical trial design; Can be used as a textbook for graduate students majoring in statistics and biostatistics.

This book is the second of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. In this volume, the focus is on the improvement of HDL, enhancement of its functionality, and the use of HDL for therapeutic purposes. In the first section, up-to-date information is provided on such topics as the tumor regression-promoting and antidiabetic activities of reconstituted HDL containing V156K apolipoprotein A-I, the enhancement of HDL effects by high doses of vitamin C, the benefits derived from incorporation of growth hormones 1 and 2 into rHDL, and the biological functions of omega-3 linolenic acid in rHDL. The enhancement of HDL functionality by policosanol and the resultant benefits are thoroughly examined in a separate section. Readers will also find the latest information on clinical applications of HDL. Here, specific topics include the enhancement of adenoviral gene delivery and the delivery of rapamycin. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

Why do some people miraculously turn around after suffering from life threatening illnesses, emotional trauma, and spiritual despair?

Dr. Ronan Kisch has documented twenty-seven bodywork/massage therapists whose clients-despite grave medical prognoses or life trauma-had unusual, if not miraculous recoveries after having bodywork with these practitioners. Who are these practitioners that have had these successes? What transpired in their sessions that allowed for such miraculous events? What is it that you could do to create these possibilities for yourself and others? Dr. Kisch, who brought to light the psycho-behavioral aspects confronting bodywork practitioners in "Beyond Technique: The Hidden Dimensions of Bodywork, " now examines the spiritual domain of bodywork.

This Dictionary presents a broad range of topics relevant in present-day global bioethics. With more than 500 entries, this dictionary covers organizations working in the field of global bioethics, international documents concerning bioethics, personalities that have played a role in the development of global bioethics, as well as specific topics in the field.The book is not only useful for students and professionals in global health activities, but can also serve as a basic tool that explains relevant ethical notions and terms. The dictionary furthers the ideals of cosmopolitanism: solidarity, equality, respect for difference and concern with what human beings- and specifically patients - have in common, regardless of their backgrounds, hometowns, religions, gender, etc. Global problems such as pandemic diseases, disasters, lack of care and medication, homelessness and displacement call for global responses.This book demonstrates that a moral vision of global health is necessary and it helps to quickly understand the basic ideas of global bioethics.

This volume covers classic and modern cell and molecular biology of prostate cancer, as well as novel biomarkers, inflammation, centrosome pathologies, microRNAs, cancer initiation novel biomarkers, inflammation, centrosome pathologies, microRNAs, cancer initiation and genetics, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis and progression to metastasis, and treatment strategies including clinical trials related to prostate cancer. Cell & Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer is one of two companion books comprehensively addressing the biology and clinical aspects of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer: Molecular & Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Stategies, the companion volume, discusses both classic and the most recent imaging approaches including analysis of needle biopsies, applications of nanoparticle probes and peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for detection, early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Taken together, these volumes form one comprehensive and invaluable contribution to the literature.

This book presents an overview of up-converting phosphor (UCP), including UCP preparation, development of the rapid detection strips and UCP industrialization. It also discusses the wide clinical applications of this technology, such as in food poisoning, infectious diseases, drug-abuse and disaster rescue, where rapid point-of-care testing is often critical. Conventional testing methods are mainly based on gold immunochromatography, which relies heavily on results being read with the naked eye. However, up-converting phosphor technology (UPT) employs UCP particles as labels for rapid target detection. Unlike other conventional fluorescence techniques, UCP is excited by infrared light and emitted visible light. This anti-stokes phenomenon provides this special label with significant advantages, including zero background detection, high resistance to environmental influences (e.g. pH, salts, sample contamination), high sensitivity and quantitative detection. Systematically summarizing UCP technology and its wide applications, this book is a valuable resource for researchers and technicians in the field.

In Wound Regeneration and Repair: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail classical and cutting-edge methods for studying wound healing and regeneration. These techniques include cellular and molecular methods, genetic approaches, surgical procedures, clinical advances, drug discovery and delivery modalities, animal and humanized models and new applications in the treatment of pathological wounds in a variety of organs and tissues. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include an introduction to their respective topics, a detailed list of the necessary materials and reagents for each procedure, step-by-step, reproducible laboratory protocols, and a set notes, developed by the authors, for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Wound Regeneration and Repair: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists and entrepreneurs in their further study of technologies, models, techniques, and critical new areas and approaches to clinical and commercial translation of research.

This monograph focuses on modern femtosecond laser microscopes for two photon imaging and nanoprocessing, on laser tweezers for cell micromanipulation as well as on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) in Life Sciences. The book starts with an introduction by Dr. Wolfgang Kaiser, pioneer of nonlinear optics and ends with the chapter on clinical multiphoton tomography, the novel high resolution imaging technique. It includes a foreword by the nonlinear microscopy expert Dr. Colin Sheppard. Contents Part I: Basics Brief history of fluorescence lifetime imaging The long journey to the laser and its use for nonlinear optics Advanced TCSPC-FLIM techniques Ultrafast lasers in biophotonics Part II: Modern nonlinear microscopy of live cells STED microscopy: exploring fluorescence lifetime gradients for super-resolution at reduced illumination intensities Principles and applications of temporal-focusing wide-field two-photon microscopy FLIM-FRET microscopy TCSPC FLIM and PLIM for metabolic imaging and oxygen sensing Laser tweezers are sources of two-photon effects Metabolic shifts in cell proliferation and differentiation Femtosecond laser nanoprocessing Cryomultiphoton imaging Part III: Nonlinear tissue imaging Multiphoton Tomography (MPT) Clinical multimodal CARS imaging In vivo multiphoton microscopy of human skin Two-photon microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging of the cornea Multiscale correlative imaging of the brain Revealing interaction of dyes and nanomaterials by multiphoton imaging Multiphoton FLIM in cosmetic clinical research Multiphoton microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging for resection guidance in malignant glioma surgery Non-invasive single-photon and multi-photon imaging of stem cells and cancer cells in mouse models Bedside assessment of multiphoton tomography

This book summarizes the fast-growing and current knowledge about selenium interaction with cancer, diabetes, neuro-degeneration, heart disease, muscle disorders, HIV and several more. A special focus will be placed on in-depth knowledge about gene expression, selenoprotein biosynthesis, seleno-metabolism--as well as the molecular pathways, physiological roles, and the molecular action of selenium including interaction with other elements and vitamins or as Se-nanoparticles. The reader will receive the newest information regarding redox status and redox regulatory systems, specifically in relation to different glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin-reductases as well as about cellular bioavailability and cytotoxicity, de-balanced immune response, inflammation or dietary aspects.

This book, which is the first volume of Biomedical Translational Research, summarizes emerging technologies in healthcare. The book reviews the advancements in biomedical sciences in genomics, immunology, stem cell, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, computational and structural biology, biomedical engineering, and telemedicine biology. The book highlights the applications of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and examines the role of system biology approaches for understanding human complexity, variability, and its influence on health and diseases. It presents the applications of flow cytometry in monitoring the progression and treatment of disease. It covers emerging technologies in cancer research, including CRISPR-Cas9, NGS, and nanotechnology. This book is a useful source of information for clinical researchers, basic scientists, biomedical engineers, and computational biologists.