Lipids are the most abundant organic compounds found in the brain, accounting for up to 50% of its dry weight. The brain lipidome includes several thousands of distinct biochemical structures whose expression may greatly vary according to age, gender, brain region, cell type, as well as subcellular localization. In synaptic membranes, brain lipids specifically interact with neurotransmitter receptors and control their activity. Moreover, brain lipids play a key role in the generation and neurotoxicity of amyloidogenic proteins involved in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases. The aim of this book is to provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of brain lipid structures, and to explain the roles of these lipids in synaptic function, and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer s, Creutzfeldt-Jakob s and Parkinson s. To conclude the book, the authors present new ideas that can drive innovative therapeutic strategies based on the knowledge of the role of lipids in brain disorders.
*Written to provide a "hands-on" approach for readers
*Biochemical structures explained with molecular models, and molecular mechanisms explained with simple drawings
*Step-by-step guide to memorize and draw lipid structures
*Each chapter features a content summary, up-to-date references for additional study, and a key experiment with an explanation of the technique"

The cyclic purine nucleotides 3',5'-cAMP and 3',5'-cGMP are well-established second messengers. cGMP has recently been covered in a volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology (volume 191). In addition to 3',5'-cAMP and 3',5'-cGMP, so-called non-canonical cyclic nucleotides exist. These comprise the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides 3',5'-cCMP and 3',5'-cUMP, the purine nucleotide 3',5'-cIMP, the 2',3'-nucleoside monophosphates and cyclic dinucleotides. In this volume of the Handbook of Pharmacology, word-leading experts in the field summarize our current knowledge on these non-canonical cyclic nucleotides, discuss open questions, future research directions and the pharmacotherapeutic implications. Special emphasis will be given to the emerging roles of 3',5'-cCMP and 3',5'-cUMP as second messengers with regard to generators, effectors, biological functions, inactivation and bacterial toxins. The role of 3',5'-cIMP as potential second messenger will also be critically discussed. Furthermore, we will consider transport of cyclic nucleotides and their potential role as first messengers. The role of the cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP in the immune system will covered, too. Lastly, the book will present important methodological aspects ranging from mass-spectrometric methods for cyclic nucleotide detection to the synthesis of nucleotide analogs as experimental tools and holistic methods for analysis of cyclic nucleotide effects.

"The Protective Arm of the RAS: Functional Aspects and Therapeutic Implications" is the first comprehensive publication to signal the protective role of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) providing readers with early insight into a system which will become of major medical importance. It is extensively demonstrated that the RAS, when over activated, represents a disease-promoting and disease-sustaining system. But recently the protective role of the RAS has emerged supported by a large number of experimental studies. In fact, specific components of the RAS, namely angiotensin AT2 receptors (AT2R), the angiotensin (1 7) peptide with its receptor Mas, and the enzyme ACE 2 exert significant beneficial actions by counter-balancing the well-known harmful side of the RAS.
Provides a complete understanding of the protective, beneficial role of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS).Combines the knowledge of editors who pioneered research on protective renin angiotensin system including Dr. Robson Santos who discovered angiotensins-(1-7) and its receptor Mas; and Dr. U. Muscha Steckelings and Dr. Thomas Unger who made contributions to AT2 receptor research and were the first to use a novel specific AT2-antagonist in preclinical studies.Shows the protective RAS axes are able to ameliorate the course of several cardiovascular, renal and neurological diseases.
"

Comparative Biology of the Normal Lung, Second Edition, offers a rigorous and comprehensive reference for all those involved in pulmonary research. This fully updated work is divided into sections on anatomy and morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and immunological response. It continues to provide a unique comparative perspective on the mammalian lung. This edition includes several new chapters and expanded content, including aging and development of the normal lung, mechanical properties of the lung, genetic polymorphisms, the comparative effect of stress of pulmonary immune function, oxygen signaling in the mammalian lung and much more. By addressing scientific advances and critical issues in lung research, this 2nd edition is a timely and valuable work on comparative data for the interpretation of studies of animal models as compared to the human lung.

I wrote this book urged by the overwhelming desire that arises towards the end of life to recapitulate the past. My goal was to summarize my experience of practicing science at the end of the 20th and early 21st centuries in Argentina, a country located far away from the world's leading scientific centers. In the book, I summarize the intricacies of the pineal gland ("the stone of madness") as historical, mystical and medical entity and its entry in contemporary medicine with the description of melatonin. I also reflect on how being associated with an unexplored subject at the beginning of his scientific career impacts the life of a scientist throughout their entire life. Today we know that in humans pineal melatonin is released every day late in the evening, and there is evidence that it is the trigger for the sleep process. But the most exciting aspect of melatonin is that it is a substance that is present in all living creatures, from unicellular organisms to plants and higher mammals, a fact that evinces its importance for life. Further, the neuroprotective action of melatonin promises to be crucial for the control of neurodegenerative diseases we face as a pandemic in this century. The discoverer of melatonin, Aaron Lerner, based its name on melano, the Greek word for black, because of its effect on the pigment cells of the skin. As in "La vie en rose", the immortal Edith Piaf song written in 1946, my lifelong work with melatonin could well be called "Ma vie en noir".

This expert volume covers an interdisciplinary and rapidly growing area of biomedical research comprising genetic, biochemical, pathological, and clinical studies aimed at the diagnosis and therapy of human diseases which are either caused by or associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. It dedicates itself to showcasing the tremendous efforts and the progress that has been made over the last decades in developing techniques and protocols for probing, imaging, and manipulating mitochondrial functions. Mitochondrial Medicine: Volume II, Manipulating Mitochondrial Function describes techniques developed for manipulating and assessing mitochondrial function under general pathological conditions and specific disease states. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and practical, Mitochondrial Medicine provides an essential source of know-how and inspiration to all researchers who are fascinated by this tiny organelle that seems so clearly to control the life and death of a single cell and whole organisms alike.

This work provides the reader with various sets of questions and answers related to basic human physiology. The questions are formulated to test concepts and assess the thinking process in physiology and to discover any misperceptions in the current knowledge of physiology. Readers will find that this book has been split into three main themes; cardiovascular, respiratory and renal physiology. The homeostatic mechanisms within each system will be covered. In addition, the functional integration of the physiology of these three organ systems will also be considered. The author of this physiology question-based learning book has taught physiology for more than twenty five years. He is also the pioneer of the physiology quiz, which he facilitates as quiz master, for which he generates the challenging physiology questions. This book is a distillation of the questions asked at the international editions of the physiology quiz. This physiology question-based learning book will be useful to all students of physiology in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other allied health sciences. This question-based learning text aims to provoke thinking and it should make learning physiology both enjoyable and challenging.

This proceedings volume highlights a selection of papers presented at the Sixth International Conference on High Performance Scientific Computing, which took place in Hanoi, Vietnam on March 16-20, 2015. The conference was jointly organized by the Heidelberg Institute of Theoretical Studies (HITS), the Institute of Mathematics of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) at Heidelberg University, and the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics, Ministry of Education The contributions cover a broad, interdisciplinary spectrum of scientific computing and showcase recent advances in theory, methods, and practical applications. Subjects covered numerical simulation, methods for optimization and control, parallel computing, and software development, as well as the applications of scientific computing in physics, mechanics, biomechanics and robotics, material science, hydrology, biotechnology, medicine, transport, scheduling, and industry.

This book presents recent research addressing the effects of different types of compression clothing on sport performance and recovery after exercise. It is also the first book that summarizes the effects of compression clothing on all main motor abilities in the context of various sports, offering a wealth of practical guidelines on how to optimize performance and recovery with the help of compression clothing. The book examines the effects of this clothing on physiological, psychological and biomechanical parameters including endurance, speed, strength, power, and motor control. It explains the basic principles involved in the reasonable application of compression garments in connection with different kinds of exercise, and describes the essential mechanisms of how compression garments work in a reader-friendly format that addresses the needs of researchers, athletes and coaches alike.

The book presents a state-of-the-art overview of biomechanical and mechanobiological modeling and simulation of soft biological tissues. Seven well-known scientists working in that particular field discuss topics such as biomolecules, networks and cells as well as failure, multi-scale, agent-based, bio-chemo-mechanical and finite element models appropriate for computational analysis. Applications include arteries, the heart, vascular stents and valve implants as well as adipose, brain, collagenous and engineered tissues. The mechanics of the whole cell and sub-cellular components as well as the extracellular matrix structure and mechanotransduction are described. In particular, the formation and remodeling of stress fibers, cytoskeletal contractility, cell adhesion and the mechanical regulation of fibroblast migration in healing myocardial infarcts are discussed. The essential ingredients of continuum mechanics are provided. Constitutive models of fiber-reinforced materials with an emphasis on arterial walls and the myocardium are discussed and the important influence of residual stresses on material response emphasized. The mechanics and function of the heart, the brain and adipose tissues are discussed as well. Particular attention is focused on microstructural and multi-scale modeling, finite element implementation and simulation of cells and tissues.

This volume provides state-of-the-art techniques for studying various aspects of cholesterol homeostasis, including its uptake, synthesis and efflux from the cell, as well as its trafficking within the cell. Chapters also cover techniques for studying the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis at both the transcriptional and post-translational levels, as well as studying the membrane topology and structure of cholesterol-related proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Cholesterol Homeostasis: Methods and Protocols aims to provide key techniques in tackling the investigation of cholesterol homeostasis.

This book presents the current concepts of semaphorin biology. In the early 1990s, semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance cues that function during neuronal development. However, cumulative findings have clarified that they have diverse functions in many physiological processes, including cardiogenesis, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, retinal homeostasis, and immune regulation. Additionally, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including tumorigenesis/tumor metastasis, neuroregenerative diseases, retinal degeneration, irregular pulse/sudden death, and immune disorders. Based on this current research background, the book covers the essential state-of-the-art findings for basic scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, and structural biology, as well as for physicians in neurology, cardiology, oncology, orthopedic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, allergology, and rheumatology.

First published in 1943, "Vitamins and Hormones" is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press.

The Series provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic. A volume can focus on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones. A hormone is interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others can be reviewed.

This volume focuses on the pancreatic beta cell.

Key features: Expertise of the contributorsCoverage of a vast array of subjectsIn depth current information at the molecular to the clinical levelsThree-dimensional structures in colorElaborate signaling pathways "

"Clinical Neuroendocrinology," a volume in the "Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series" gives an overview of the current knowledge in the field of clinical neuroendocrinology. It focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. It integrates a large number of medical disciplines, including clinical endocrinology, pediatrics, neurosurgery, neuroradiology, clinical genetics, and radiotherapy. Psychological consequences of various disorders and therapies, as well as therapeutic controversies, are discussed. It is the first textbook in the field to address all these aspects by a range of international experts.

*All contributors are recognized experts in the different fields of clinical neuroendocrinology *The book provides expanded coverage on hypothalamic mechanisms in human pathophysiology *The book includes current perspectives, diagnosis and treatment of pituitary diseases

This volume is comprised of 18 chapters, covering various aspects of DNA modification and RNA modified bases. It also discusses in detail circular RNA, therapeutic oligonucleotides and their different properties. The chemical nature of DNA, RNA, protein and lipids makes these macromolecules easily modifiable, but they are also susceptible to damage from both endogenous and exogenous agents. Alkylation and oxidation show a potential to disrupt the cellular redox equilibrium and cause cellular damage leading to inflammation and even chronic disease. Furthermore, DNA damage can drive mutagenesis and the resulting DNA sequence changes can induce carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Modified nucleosides can occur as a result of oxidative DNA damage and RNA turnover, and are used as markers for various diseases. To function properly some RNA needs to be chemically modified post-transcriptionally. Dysregulation of the RNA-modification pattern or of the levels of the enzymes that catalyze these modifications alters RNA functionality and can result in complex phenotypes, likely due to defects in protein translation. While modifications are best characterized in noncoding ribonucleic acids like tRNA and rRNA, coding mRNAs have also been found to contain modified nucleosides. This book is a valuable resource, not only for graduate students but also researchers in the fields of molecular medicine and molecular biology.

T. Hara, I. Kimura, D. Inoue, A. Ichimura, and A. Hirasawa: Free fatty acid receptors and their role in regulation of energy metabolism. B. Nilius and G. Appendino. Spices: the savory and healthy science of pungency.

Drawing on expert opinions from the fields of nutrition, gut microbiology, mammalian physiology, and immunology, "Diet-Microbe Interactions for Human Health" investigates the evidence for a unified disease mechanism working through the gut and its resident microbiota, and linking many inflammation-related chronic diet associated diseases. State of the art post-genomic studies can highlight the important role played by our resident intestinal microbiota in determining human health and disease. Many chronic human diseases associated with modern lifestyles and diets - including those localized to the intestinal tract like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, and more pervasive systemic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease - are characterized by aberrant profiles of gut bacteria or their metabolites. Many of these diseases have an inflammatory basis, often presenting with a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, hinting at persistent and inappropriate activation of inflammatory pathways. Through the presentation and analysis of recent nutrition studies, this book discusses the possible mechanisms underpinning the disease processes associated with these pathologies, with high fat diets appearing to predispose to disease, and biologically active plant components, mainly fiber and polyphenols, appearing to reduce the risk of chronic disease development.
One comprehensive, translational source for all aspects of nutrition and diet's effect on gastrointestinal health and diseaseExperts in nutrition, diet, microbiology and immunology take readers from the bench research (cellular and biochemical mechanisms of vitamins and nutrients) to new preventive and therapeutic approachesClear presentations by leading researchers of the cellular mechanisms underlying diet, immune response, and gastrointestinal disease help practicing nutritionists and clinicians (gastroenterologists, endocrinologists) map out new areas for clinical research and structuring clinical recommendations

This book examines the new knowledge that has been gained from the objective monitoring of habitual physical activity by means of pedometers and accelerometers. It reviews current advances in the technology of activity monitoring and details advantages of objective monitors relative to physical activity questionnaires. It points to continuing gaps in knowledge, and explores the potential for further advances in the design of objective monitoring devices. Epidemiologists have studied relationships between questionnaire assessments of habitual physical activity and various medical conditions for some seventy years. In general, they have observed positive associations between regular exercise and good health, but because of inherent limitations in the reliability and accuracy of physical activity questionnaires, optimal exercise recommendations for the prevention and treatment of disease have remained unclear. Inexpensive pedometers and accelerometers now offer the epidemiologist the potential to collect relatively precisely graded and objective information on the volume, intensity and patterns of effort that people are undertaking, to relate this data to past and future health experience, and to establish dose/response relationships between physical activity and the various components of health. Such information is important both in assessing the causal nature of the observed associations and in establishing evidence-based recommendations concerning the minimal levels of daily physical activity needed to maintain good health.

Research has clearly established a link between omega-3 fatty acids and general health, particularly cardiovascular health. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Brain and Neurological Health" is the first book to focus exclusively on the role of omega-3 fatty acids on general brain health. The articles in this collection illustrate omega-3 fatty acids' importance in longevity, cognitive impairment, and structure and function of the brain's neurons.

Research has established links between omega-3 fatty acids and the developing brain, aging, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. This book encompasses some of the most recent research, including the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on hippocampal neurogenesis, substantia nigra modulation, migraine headaches, the developing brain in animals, sleep, and neurodegenerative diseases. This collection helps to push research forward toward a complete understanding of omega-3 fatty acids' relationship to brain and neurological health.
The first book-length collection of original research on the connection between omega-3 fatty acids and the brainProvides a comprehensive introduction to the state of research on omega-3 fatty acids and the brain and directions for future researchA foundational collection for neuroscience, neurology, and nutrition research

This is the first book to assemble the leading researchers in the field of LRRK2 biology and neurology and provide a snapshot of the current state of knowledge, encompassing all major aspects of its function and dysfunction. The contributors are experts in cell biology and physiology, neurobiology, and medicinal chemistry, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective on the gene and its role in disease. The book covers the identification of LRRK2 as a major contributor to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease. It also discusses the current state of the field after a decade of research, putative normal physiological roles of LRRK2, and the various pathways that have been identified in the search for the mechanism(s) of its induction of neurodegeneration.