aintaining extracellular calcium concentrations within a narrow range is critical for the survival of most vertebrates. PTH, together with vitamin D, responds to hypocalcemia to increase extracellu M lar calcium levels, by acting on bone, kidney and intestine. The recent intro duction of PTH as a major therapeutic agent in osteoporosis has directed renewed interest in this important hormone and in the physiology of the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid is unique in that low serum calcium stimulates PTH secretion. As hypocalcemia persists, there is also an increase in PTH synthesis. Chronic hypocalcemia leads to hypertrophy and hyper plasia of the parathyroid gland together with increased production of the hormone. Phosphate is also a key modulator of PTH secretion, gene expres sion and parathyroid cell proliferation. Understanding the biology of the parathyroid as well as the mecha nisms of associated diseases has taken great strides in recent years. This book summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the function of the para thyroid gland. The first chapter reviews the development of the parathyroid gland and the genes involved in this process as identified using genetically manipulated mice. Then the biosynthetic pathway of PTH from gene ex pression to its intracellular processing and the sequences in the gene control ling its transcription as well as those regulating mRNA processing, stability and translation are described.

The metabolic syndrome is a common syndrome affecting about 20 % of the adult population in Europe, and probably the prevalence is of the same magnitude in other industrialised countries worldwide. It is mainly caused by western lifestyle resulting in abdominal obesity, but also a genetic predisposition plays a role. This syndrome, which is linked to leisure lifestyle and overeating/obesity, can develop into type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, proper treatment and prevention are heavily needed. This book discusses lifestyle intervention and treatment, specifically with pharmacological compounds, in order to formulate a strategy for treating the metabolic syndrome in the daily clinic.

Defining and understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms that are relevant to women's health has become a critical area of scientific pursuit. Until recently, very little effort has been place on defining or understanding critical differences between women and men that may be critical to the overall health of the woman. In 1990, the National Institutes of Health recognized this gap in knowledge resulting in the creation of the Office of Research on Women's Health. One of the purposes of this office was to advance the understanding of health issues from the women's perspective from both a basic and clinical scientific perspective. From a scientific evolution of understanding, the existence of this office is new and thus there has not been enough time for new information to integrate itself in our current scientific thought process. This book will seek to capture and disseminate our current understanding of scientific advancements relevant to women's health and provide the information to a broad audience. The purpose of this work is to discuss recent advancements in basic science across three areas of concern for women's health. In addition, the book will provide "translational" chapters that attempt to place the basic science work in context within our current understanding of the human. Although it is well acknowledge that gender differences exist across organ function which translates into differences in whole body function, until recently little effort has been made to define basic mechanisms within various tissues within the woman. This work will focus on recent scientific findings that are relevant to women's health and to provide novel and relevant information to interested scientists and clinicians.

First published in 1985, the revised edition of this text consists of seven chapters describing the muscle, its anatomy, its mechanics, and its chemical and neuro-control systems. It documents empirical, analytical, and experimental analyses and equations in the field of muscle mechanics.

This volume of the Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology focuses on molecular events involved in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and ongoing neural activity. The volume explores axonal growth cones, synapse development, and mechanisms of LTP and LTD, and calcium dynamics. Particular attention is given to function and trafficking of membrane proteins including various ion channels, aquaporines, gap junctions.

Since Paul Cranefield published his monograph, The Conduction of the Cardiac Impulse, in 1975, much has been learned about the role of the slow inward current in cardiac electrophysiology. Because of this expanse in know ledge, both basic and clinical, it appeared reasonable to review in a mono graph once again what was known. When Martinus Nijhoff first approached us to undertake the task of updating this information, we were initially reluctant for several reasons. First, we did not feel that the subject could be adequately and thoroughly reviewed, from the cell to the bedside, by a single person. Second, time constraints on all of us precluded even attempting such a task. However, we were encouraged by several of our friends (' egged on' one might even say, since they wished the job done but did not want to do it themselves ) who promised faithfully to contribute chapters on time if we accepted the task. So we did, and most of them did also."

In the last few years, technologies that allow for monitoring and manipulating neuronal networks at a single cell resolution have been rapidly expanding. In Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches, experts in the field provide an overview of some of the most advanced techniques for the study of neuronal circuits, highlighting current technical limitations and providing a vision of what is yet to come. Broken into six convenient, interdependent section, this volume covers optical approaches, electrophysiological approaches, both in vitro and in vivo, optogenetics, morpho-functional approaches, and neuronal network analysis in humans. As a volume in the Neuromethods series, this work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches will be useful for early career neuroscientists, as well as for experienced neuroscientists, by providing a practical framework for studying the brain as an organ while maintaining an appreciation for its cellular diversity.

Modern cell biology has brought improvements in therapy for advanced malignant diseases through immunomodulation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other advanced techniques. Collected here are selected papers from the Fifth International Symposium of Keio University for Life Sciences and Medicine on Cell Therapy.
All chapters include innovative basic research for clinical application: immunotherapy, cancer vaccination, molecular biology of hematopoietic stem cells, stem cell processing, and gene therapy.
The book is divided into three parts: Immunotherapy for malignant diseases; Hematopoietic stem cell biology and clinical application; and International collaboration in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Included in the third part is information on bone marrow registries from around the world.
The book thus presents up-to-date information on biological and clinical aspects of treatment, with insight into the future of cell therapy.

Initially believed to be inactive molecules, glycans are now considered essential for life, both under normal and pathological conditions.

This volume of the series "Biology of Extracellular Matrix " reviews the most recent findings on the role of glycans in the development of diseases and the possible therapeutic use of this class of molecules. It shows how the interaction of glycans with growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, extracellular proteases, protease inhibitors, chemokines, morphogens, and adhesive proteins regulates inflammation, infection, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and embryonic stem cell biology. Furthermore, an extensive survey about the structure and pharmacological effects of unique marine glycosaminoglycans is discussed as well as the possibility of using these glycans as therapeutic agents.

The topic of skin aging is of growing importance to all working in the field of dermatology, aesthetic medicine and cosmetic medicine. Two internationally well-known and leading experts in the field present a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on all aspects of skin aging.

With its clear, concise and reader-friendly format this book has all the potential to become the Bible of skin aging. Every specialist interested in dermatology, aesthetic medicine, cosmetic science, cutaneous biology and aging research will find indispensable information of great value for his or her daily work.

Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals focuses on the special anesthetic, analgesic, and postoperative care requirements associated with experimental interventions. Fully revised and updated this new edition provides the reader with agents, methods, and techniques for anesthesia and analgesia that ensure humane, reproducible, and successful procedural outcomes. The content is structured in six sections. The first deals with ethical, regulatory, and scientific considerations. Chapters in this section include US and international regulatory considerations, and optimization of anesthesia and analgesia. Part two is dedicated to the principles of anesthesia and analgesia with chapters covering topics in a non-species-specific way, but with a slant towards laboratory animals, including relevant pharmacology of the agents. Part three covers Anesthetic equipment and monitoring. Section four deals with periprocedural care including dedicated chapters to the assessment and management of pain in laboratory species. Part five provides practical considerations by species, including relevant anatomy, physiology, and behavior of a broad range of lab animal species. Part six closes the book with special topics covering management of chronic pain, fetus and neonate interventions, considerations for in-vivo imaging and the study of pain. Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals is the complete reference for veterinarians involved in lab animal research as well as senior graduate, graduate students, post-docs, and researchers who utilize animals in biomedical research.

Taurine 9 contains original articles and critical reviews based on the oral and poster presentations of XIX International Taurine Meeting held in Krakow, Poland in May 2014. The purpose of the book is to present current ideas, new avenues and research regarding biological functions and clinical applications of taurine and taurine derivatives. It focuses on all aspects of taurine research including the cardiovascular system, the immune system, diabetes, the central nervous system, endocrine system and the role of taurine supplements in nutrition. It also includes presentations of novel animal experimental models using Cdo1 and CSAD knock-out mice.

Enthusiasm from the past notable successes with RF ablation and the demand for better therapy for the complex but common arrhythmias has carried forward the progress of catheter ablation technology. In the past few years, there has been significant progress in the development of better mapping and ablative techniques. Such progress has resulted in a steady improvement in the success of ablation of more complex atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias as well as our knowledge of their anatomy and pathophysiology. However, enthusiasm for finding the ideal tools for the cure of complex arrhythmias has also resulted in a proliferation of changes in catheter designs, mapping apparatus, and heat energy sources. The clinician nowadays is faced with a wide and often confusing choice of new instruments and methods of ablation. There are few, if any, comparative studies involving the various new tools, nor is there any compilation of data on any specific new discovery. It is timely to provide ourselves with a review of available data on the progress of new technology in order to enhance our knowledge and to concentrate our efforts into the development of an ultimate practical and yet effective methodology.

The purpose of this publication is to provide a forum in which the authors can present their experience, even if only in its preliminary stages, in the respective field or technology. Various technological advancements in mapping and ablation as well as the improved understanding of the pathophysiology of the various arrhythmias are presented. The authors are selected for their interest and expertise on the subject. Each topic is presented in a concise form and with relevance to thedevelopment of new technology. The authors are encouraged to provide their opinion on the issues to stimulate further discussion and investigation. We hope that this publication will also stimulate further growth in this exciting field of cardiac electrophysiology.

The book presents the overview of the current knowledge in some fields of vascular biology, addressing cellular and molecular aspects of blood-vessel formation and their role in health and disease. The major factors involved in the formation of blood vessels are presented by scientists actively involved in this area of research. Special emphasis is put on the presentation of various molecular mechanisms not addressed in similar works to date. The book is divided into three parts. The first part describes the cells and mediators in angiogenesis. The significance of various populations of potential endothelial progenitors is particularly highlighted. The chapters of the second part focus on molecular mechanisms, with special emphasis on the role of hypoxia, gasotransmitters and reactive oxygen species as well as microRNAs in regulation of angiogenic processes. In the third part, the pathological aspects of disturbed aggravated or impaired vascularization are discussed and new modalities for potential therapies are presented. The book is intended for scientists and PhD students in the fields of vascular biology and cancer research. It may be of interest for medical professionals in the fields of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, oncology and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Physiological, pharmacological and molecular biological data generated over the past three decades have demonstrated the existence of two major families of extracellular receptors, the P1, a family of four G-protein coupled receptors and the P2, a family of at least 12 receptors responsive to purine (ATP, ADP) and pyrimidine (UTP) nucleotides through which adenosine and ATP can function as extracellular messengers. The present two-part volume represents an integrated compendium of invited chapters by leading researchers in the area focusing on advances in the understanding of purinergic and pyrimidinergic signaling systems, their role(s) in tissue function and pathophysiology and advances in developing potential new medications based on the modulation of P1 and P2 receptor signaling processes. The volumes will thus provide the reader with a topical, comprehensive and integrated overview of this important area.

Now in a fully revised and updated fourth edition, Science and Soccer is still the most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the physiology, biomechanics and psychology behind the world's most popular sport. Offering important guidance on how science translates into practice, the book examines every key facet of the sport, with a particular focus on the development of expert performers. The topics covered include: • anatomy, physiology, psychology; sociology and biomechanics; • principles of training; • nutrition; • physical and mental preparation; • playing surfaces and equipment; injury • decision-making and skill acquisition; • coaching and coach education; • performance analysis; • talent identification and youth development. Science and Soccer: Developing Elite Performers is a unique resource for students and academics working in sports science. It is essential reading for all professional support staff working in the game, including coaches at all levels, physiotherapists, conditioning specialists, performance analysts, club doctors and sport psychologists.

The book focuses on the latest discoveries on calreticulin, calnexin and other endoplasmic reticulum proteins. Calreticulin has been implicated to affect diverse cellular function and play a role in many pathologies including protein folding disorders, cardiac pathologies, cancer and autoimmunity. This book contains contributions from the world leaders in the area of endoplasmic reticulum function, protein folding, Calcium homeostasis and autoimmunity. It raises many intriguing questions about calreticulin, calnexin and the endoplasmic reticulum and gives a unique opportunity to realize the significance of these calcium-binding chaperones. The book is unique in every respect and we are not aware of any other publication focusing on these aspects of endoplasmic reticulum biology. Because of a central role of endoplasmic reticulum, calreticulin and calnexin in virtually all cellular functions, the book should be of interest to everyone in the biological sciences.