This volume explores the latest techniques used to study neurodevelopmental diseases (NDD) that range from molecular aspects to integrated research approaches and brain imaging in living rodents. Chapters in this book cover topics such as protocols to deliver shRNA in vitro and in vivo using lentiviral particles to knock-down specific protein expression; experimental procedures to use recombinant fluorescent probes to visualize endogenous proteins at the mammalian synapse; CRISPR/Cas9 toolkit to assess either gain- or loss-of-gene function in brain organoids; detailed protocols to use in vivo manipulations to correct the behavioral phenotypes in cognitive disorder mouse lines; and experimental approaches to genetically engineer macaque models of NDDs and investigate how genetic predisposition may cause neural and functional alterations. In the Neuromethods series style, chapters include the kind of detail and key advice from the specialists needed to get successful results in your laboratory. Cutting-edge and practical, Translational Research Methods in Neurodevelopmental Disorders is a valuable resource for all researchers who want to learn more about this important and developing field.

This book deals with pathophysiology and pharmacology of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and describes new trends in SHR research from hemodynamic characteristics to immunological views. It is devoted to the use of tissue culture studies to elaborate SHR characteristics.

*Provides an overview of statistical and analytic methodologies in real-world evidence to generate insights on healthcare, with a special focus on the pharmaceutical industry *Examines timely topics of high relevance to industry such as bioethical considerations, regulatory standards and compliance requirements *Highlights emerging and current trends, and provides guidelines for best practices *Illustrates methods through examples and use-case studies to demonstrate impact *Provides guidance on software choices and digital applications for successful analytics.

The modern unhealthy diet and lifestyle in conjunction with pathogens, environmental carcinogens and multiple other risk factors increase humans' susceptibility to different diseases exemplified by elevated levels of cancers, cardiovascular and communicable diseases. Screening of potential drugs from medicinal plants and animals provides a promising strategy for the alleviation of the impact of these diseases. Components with potential medicinal applications include RIPs, RNases, lectins, protease inhibitors and numerous small compounds. These compounds have shown both preventive and therapeutic effects for humans. This book is a compilation of articles written by internationally renowned experts exploring the different uses of medicinal compounds in human therapeutics. Here we provide a comprehensive outlook on both qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on medicinal plants and animals, and establishing a link between laboratory research discovery and clinical applications.

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 Springer Nature'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 14th volume of a continuing series.

Studies over the past decade have continued to bring tremendous advances to our understanding of bone biology. New pathways have been discovered and expanded our knowledge of the ways in which genes and gene products affect bone cells and thereby bone mass and bone strength. In Bone Research Protocols, Second Edition, expert researchers in the field detail many methods commonly used to study bone biology. Focusing mainly on in vitro methods, this volume gives techniques for isolation, culture and functional analysis of all bone cell types and details a range of imaging methods, including light and ultrastructural microscopy and live cell imaging. Some important in vivo techniques are included, such as analysis of bone resorption and imaging using X rays, fluorescent or luminescent techniques. Methods for study of proteins and nucleic acid are included and methods for analysis of bone composition, measurement of bone strength, and response to mechanical stimulation are described. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Bone Research Protocols, Second Edition seeks to aid scientists in the bone field to establish new techniques in their laboratories.

This volume investigates the links between the incidence of diet-related cancers and dietary patterns within Europe. It presents current understanding of the major cancers thought to be caused by diet alongside detailed data on regional variations in dietary composition, and collates these sets of information to illustrate associations between foods and nutrients and the risk of cancer at specific sites. There is particular discussion of the role of fat, meat, fibre, cereals and fresh vegetables. The importance of the "Mediterranean diet", and regional variance in this diet within Europe, is examined. Japanese and US dietary evidence is also considered. This book highlights the debate on cancer and diet, and points the way ahead for important new research.

The book Heat Shock Protein-Based Therapies provides the most up-to-date review on new heat shock protein-based mechanisms used in the therapy and treatment of various human disorders and diseases, including cancer, muscular atrophy, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis) and infectious diseases (HIV, periodontal disease). Written by leaders in the field of heat shock protein research, the chapters systematically and in a step wise fashion takes the reader through the fascinating sequence of events by which mechanisms dependent on heat shock proteins are targeted. The chapters also provide answers as to HSP biological significance to the host. This book is a must read for graduate and postgraduates in the field of Drug Development, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Phytomedicine, Biology (plant and mammal), Biochemistry (pro- and eukaryotic), Oncology, Immunology, Microbiology, Exercise Medicine, Physiology, Inflammatory diseases, Autoimmunity, Pharmacology and Pathology.

This volumes presents the proceedings of the FASMI 2020 conference, held at Taipei Veterans General Hospital on November 20-22, 2020. It presents contributions on all aspects of molecular imaging, discovered by leading academic scientists and researchers. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary treatment of recent innovations, trend, and concerns as well as practical challenges and solutions in Molecular Imaging and put an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence applied to Imaging Data. FASMI is the annual meeting of the Federation of Asian Societies for Molecular Imaging

This book is focused on marine based biomedical carriers for delivery of therapeutics. Marine biomaterials and bio-based carriers show wide applications in pharmaceutical as well as biomedical fields for delivery of small and large molecules. Biomaterial-based composites, scaffolds or matrix systems are promising systems for controlled and prolonged release of drug in target site and control the premature release of drugs or bioactive compounds. This book discusses the targeted delivery of drugs and therapeutic applications. It also describes the use of marine biopolymers in cancer therapy. Different chapters describe the tissue engineering techniques to develop these carriers. The marine biomaterial-based systems are widely used for tissue engineering, and biomedical imaging. This book is meant for industry experts, students and researchers in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering and material science and pharmacology.

This book on Candida albicans and similar pathogens provides a timely overview of the groundbreaking discoveries made in the areas of drug resistance, host-pathogen interactions, virulence, host immune system modulation, etc., in the last two decades. This comprehensive 2nd Edition includes chapters on fungal infections, hyphal morphogenesis, molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance, antifungal agents, multidrug transporters, virulence mechanisms in Candida albicans, host-pathogen interactions, the cell wall, fungal biofilms, lipids and antifungal resistance, signaling mechanisms and last but not the least host-immune responses. As such, it offers an ideal reference guide for mycologists, researchers, pharmacists, clinicians, and undergraduate students engaged or interested in fungal research. It will also benefit clinicians, who are required to keep abreast of the current state of research on antifungal drug resistance and antifungal development.

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 Springer Nature'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 15th volume of a continuing series.

In the post human-genome project era, cancer specific genomic maps are redesigning tumor taxonomy by evolving from histopathology to molecular pathology. The success of a cancer drug today is fundamentally based on the success in identifying target genes that control beneficial pathways. The overwhelming power of genomics and proteomics has enlightened researchers about the fact that the PI3K-mTOR pathway is the most commonly up-regulated signal transduction pathway in various cancers, either by virtue of its activation downstream of many cell surface growth factor receptors or by virtue of its collateral and compensatory circuitry with RAS-MAPK pathway. Oncogenic signaling in the majority of solid tumors is sustained via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Because of its prominent role in many cancer types, the PI3K-mTOR pathway has become a major therapeutic target. The volume includes two complementary parts which address the problem of etiology and disease progression and is intended to portray the very basic mechanisms of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway's involvement in various facets of the cancer, including stem cell renewal, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, genetic instability, and drug resistance. Significant progress has been made in recent years elucidating the molecular mechanism of cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and drug-resistance in relation to the PI3K-mTOR pathway and this volume provides an in-depth overview of recent developments made in this area.

This book, the second volume of Crime Scene Management in Forensic Sciences, reviews the role and impact of forensic evidence in criminal investigations. It also addresses the importance of post mortem examination in criminal cases. The book investigates the use of insects and arthropods to estimate post mortem intervals during forensic investigations. Further, it discusses the physiological effects of xenobiotics at the time of death, based on their concentration and distribution in the body at autopsy. Importantly, it also discusses digital forensic investigation, which can be used for the analysis of digital evidence produced at a court of law. Lastly, it defines the structure and legal framework of these forensic evidences for the effective administration of the criminal justice system. It is an excellent source of information for forensics scientists and legal professionals.

This book covers key topics in polyamine research from a range of organisms, including plants, mammals, and prokaryotes such as bacteria and archaea. The book provides an introduction to general concepts in the field of polyamine research, as well as more detailed information. With the availability of genome sequence data from a broad range of organisms, the evolution of the genes involved in polyamine metabolism is discussed. The mode of action of polyamines has been shown to be dependent on cation channels, and this mechanism is described in the book. The origin of polyamine transporters (from bacteria, yeasts, and plants) is described. The various effects of polyamines on growth and survival are also documented. The book details the mechanisms of polyamine homeostasis and the role of polyamine molecules as precursors of secondary metabolites such as plant alkaloids and toxins derived from spiders and wasps. The role of polyamines in longevity and disease is discussed. A link between polyamine contents and cancer progression is reported, as is the use of polyamine metabolites as diagnostic markers in the initial stages of cancer. Moreover, a novel approach that utilizes the polyamine pathway of a parasite as a drug target in African sleeping sickness is described. Therefore, this book is a valuable resource, both as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students and also as a reference book for front-line polyamine researchers.

A comprehensive collection of readily reproducible methods for studying receptors in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. These cutting-edge techniques cover mining from curated databases, identifying novel receptors by high throughput screening, molecular methods to identify mRNA encoding receptors, radioligand binding assays and their analysis, quantitative autoradiography, and imaging receptors by positron emission tomography (PET). Highlights include phenotypic characterization of receptors in knockout mice, imaging receptors using green fluorescent protein and fluorescent resonance energy transfer, and quantitative analysis of receptor mRNA by TaqMan PCR. These book equips the researcher with techniques for exploring the unprecedented number of new receptor systems now emerging and the so-called "orphan" receptors whose activating ligand has not been identified.

This volume contains refereed papers by participants in the two weeks on Clinical Trials and one week on Epidemiology and the Environment held as part of the six weeks workshop on Statistics in the Health Sciences Applications at the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) in the summer of 1997. Donald Berry was in charge of the weeks on clinical trials, and Elizabeth Halloran organized the week on epidemiology and the environment. The collection includes a major contribution from Jamie Robins, Andrea Rotnitzky, and Daniel Scharfstein on sensitivity analysis for selection bias and unmeasured confounding in missing data and causal and inference models. In another paper, Jamie Robins presents a new class of causal models called marginal structural models. Alan Hubbard, Mark van der Laan, and Jamie Robins present a methodology for consistent and efficient estimation of treatment-specific survival functions in observational settings. Brian Leroux, Xingye Lei, and Norman Breslow present a new mixed model for spatial dependence for estimating disease rates in small areas. Andrew Lawson and Allan Clark demonstrate Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for clustering in spatial epidemiology. Colin Chen, David Chock, and Sandra Winkler present a simulation study examining confounding in estimation of the epidemiologic effect of air pollution. Dalene Stangl discusses issues in the use of reference priors and Bayes factors in analyzing clinical trials. Stephen George reviews the role of surrogate endpoints in cancer clinical trials.

Prominent experimentalists critically review the animal models widely used in developing powerful new therapies for central nervous system diseases. Coverage includes novel uses of animal models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, and studies of aging. Techniques that rely heavily on behavioral analyses, as well as models developed from infusions of neurotoxins and from advances in molecular biology, are thoroughly explicated, as are models developed for more acute neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury and stroke. Comprehensive and authoritative, Central Nervous System Diseases: Innovative Animal Models from Lab to Clinic offers neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and interested clinicians a unique survey of the most productive animal models of the leading neurological diseases currently employed to develop today's innovative drug therapies.

Latest generation sequencing revolutionizes the fields of cancer research and oncology. This follow-up volume focuses more extensively on single cell sequencing of cancer and trials in drug resistance. Another exciting feature is the bioinformatics tools given, that can be used on cancer genome studies. Scientists around the world are attempting to find the root cause of cancer. A reasonable cancer treatment plan and potential cure is more optimistic now with the unfolding of the cancer genome. The collective knowledge of how to leverage next generation sequencing in cancer research is paving the way. The important information provided in this volume will move the field forward in developing novel targeted cancer therapies.

Non-vesicular intracellular cholesterol transport is an important mechanism for maintaining membrane cholesterol homeostasis. Recent reports of studies directed at soluble cholesterol transport proteins indicate that aberrant expression of the START proteins may contribute to disease states associated with disorders in cholesterol homeostasis. This is an exciting new direction in the field and the purpose of this book will be to highlight the current research directed at potential roles for the START family in diabetes, cancer, and atherogenesis. This book also provides a personal and historical perspective of the discovery-to-publication journey that the authors had for their particular START domain family member. The goal will be to provide perspectives to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and endocrinology fellows on the research discovery process.

This edition includes both updates from the previous book titled Simulation for Designing Clinical Trials and new uses and issues concerning clinical trial simulations (CTS) along with case studies of how clinical trial simulations are being applied in various therapeutic and application areas. Importantly, the book expands on the utility of CTS for informing decisions during drug development and regulatory review. Each chapter was written by esteemed authors who have demonstrated expertise in state-of-the-art application of CTS. The target audience for this book includes not only researchers and scientists who wish to consider use of simulations in the design, analysis, or regulatory review and guidance of clinical trials, but also academic researchers and others working in drug development (e.g., clinicians, senior managers, project planning and regulatory affairs professionals). The focus is more on how the authors have used clinical trial simulation in decision processes instead of illustrating detailed technical aspects. This book is an information source that enables the reader to gain overall knowledge on how clinical trial simulations can be used to improve the efficiency, informativeness, speed and economy of model-based drug development and regulation.

This open-access textbook provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide for students and practitioners wishing to access in a single volume the key disciplines and principles of wheat breeding. Wheat is a cornerstone of food security: it is the most widely grown of any crop and provides 20% of all human calories and protein. The authorship of this book includes world class researchers and breeders whose expertise spans cutting-edge academic science all the way to impacts in farmers' fields. The book's themes and authors were selected to provide a didactic work that considers the background to wheat improvement, current mainstream breeding approaches, and translational research and avant garde technologies that enable new breakthroughs in science to impact productivity. While the volume provides an overview for professionals interested in wheat, many of the ideas and methods presented are equally relevant to small grain cereals and crop improvement in general. The book is affordable, and because it is open access, can be readily shared and translated -- in whole or in part -- to university classes, members of breeding teams (from directors to technicians), conference participants, extension agents and farmers. Given the challenges currently faced by academia, industry and national wheat programs to produce higher crop yields --- often with less inputs and under increasingly harsher climates -- this volume is a timely addition to their toolkit.

This volume focuses on the cell biology and physiology of skeletal muscle regeneration. This Book is a collection of classic and cutting edge protocols optimized for mice, but in most cases adaptable to rat or other mammalian models, that will allow an investigator to develop and implement a research study on skeletal muscle regeneration. Chapters address the three major areas of study: provoking regeneration by inducing damage to muscle, analyzing the progenitor cells of skeletal muscle, and quantifying overall muscle function. Subjects discussed include: inducing skeletal muscle injury by eccentric contraction; volumetric muscle loss; single myofiber isolation and culture; satellite cell transplantation; muscle clearing for whole mount immunostaining; luciferase tracking of muscle stem cells; mitochondrial and mitophagy flux analysis; in vivo assessment of muscle contractility; force measurements on single isolated myofibers; and analysis of aerobic respiration in intact skeletal muscle tissue by microplate respirometry. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to each respective topic, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting edge and practical, Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in the Mouse: Methods and Protocols is an essential laboratory reference for research in skeletal muscle growth, damage, repair, degeneration, and regenerative therapy in the mouse model system.

The development of new CNS drugs is notoriously difficult. Drugs must reach CNS target sites for action and these sites are protected by a number of barriers, the most important being the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Many factors are therefore critical to consider for CNS drug delivery, e.g. active/passive transport across the BBB, intra-brain distribution, and central/systemic pharmacokinetics, to name a few. Neurological disease and trauma conditions add further complexity because CNS barriers, drug distribution and pharmacokinetics are dynamic and often changed by disease/trauma. Knowledge of all these factors and their interplay in different conditions is of utmost importance for proper CNS drug development and disease treatment. In recent years much information has become available for a better understanding of the many factors important for CNS drug delivery and how they interact to affect drug action. This book describes small and large drug delivery to the brain with an emphasis on the physiology of the BBB and the principles and concepts for drug delivery across the BBB and distribution within the brain. It contains methods descriptions for studying drug delivery, routes and approaches of administering drugs into the brain, the influence of disease, drug industry perspectives, and a primer on neuroanatomy and physiological considerations written specifically for drug delivery scientists. Therewith, it contributes to an in-depth understanding of the interplay between brain (patho)-physiology and drug characteristics. Furthermore, the content is designed to be both cutting-edge and educational, so that the book can be used in high-level training of academic and industry scientists with full references to original publications.

The novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a serious global pandemic in just one year. Nearly every country and territory in the world has been affected by the virus. The virulence and infection rate of the virus are profound, and has required extreme social distancing measures across the globe in order to prevent overwhelming the healthcare services and hospitals. COVID-19 appears to have the greatest effects on elderly individuals and those who have co-morbid diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. As the cases and death rate remain high, there are justified fears of this virus remaining for several months or years to come. To address this, a rapid and unprecedented worldwide mobilization effort has begun to identify effective treatments and develop vaccines. As these begin to be deployed and administered across the globe, many now feel the virus will be brought under control and lives will eventually return to normal. This new volume will increase readers' understanding of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic through a series of chapters that address these concerns. Leading experts will discuss new treatment approaches, vaccine development, mental health aspects of the pandemic, and convey the results of survey studies. The book will be an excellent resource for researchers studying virology, metabolic diseases, respiratory disorders, and clinical scientists, physicians, drug companies, and healthcare services and workers.