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The book dissects the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the leading causes of global morbidity and mortality, i.e. cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The chapters discuss topics related to the role reactive oxygen species (ROS) play in hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and related pathologies. One chapter discusses the clinical efficacy and safety considerations of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors in obesity management and the associated cardiovascular complications. Another chapter discusses the context-dependent roles of matrix metalloproteases, and how their activity can be modulated and utilized for the development of improved drugs for cardiometabolic diseases. Moreover, how ROS and aging interplay to precipitate cardiovasculo-metabolic disease is discussed and highlighted. Similarly, how sex and sepsis interplay in the context of cardiorenal disease is teased out in one of the chapters. Preventive measures that can abrogate ROS-induced cardiovasclo-metabolic disease are discussed and clarified in the hope of reducing such a debilitating battery of diseases. Another chapter is fully dedicated to the roles of ROS in atherosclerosis, while another chapter deals with mechanisms and effect of ROS on various phenotypes of adipose tissues in the context of cardiovasculo-metabolic disease. A chapter also discusses the link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cardiovascular impairments, and how ROS plays a significant role in TBI-induced cardiovascular disease. A section dedicated to antioxidants as potential therapy is also included. Given the complexity of the mechanisms implicated in ROS-modulated responses, it remains challenging to assert a conclusive argument and pre-determined regimen for incorporating antioxidants into conventional therapies. In all of the chapters, the molecular, cellular, genetic, and pharmacological mechanisms implicated are covered from an applied science perspective. This is an ideal book for basic researchers in the biomedical field, graduate students in biological and biomedical fields, medical students, instructors in medical and graduate schools, and professionals working for pharmaceutical companies.

This book describes sustainable aquaculture ingredients and additives uncovered in Africa and Asia. It also discusses current aquaculture research practices on alternative protein, carbohydrate, lipid, mineral, vitamin, and feed additives. It further demonstrates how aquaculture practices could be a feasible and cost-effective venture, capable of producing products in an environmentally sustainable manner. The aquaculture industry is suffering from scarcity of sustainable feedstuffs, particularly protein and oil components, which play an important role in the nutritional requirements of many aquaculture species. The availability of components such as fish meal, fish oil, and other synthetic feed additives has rendered aquaculture operations unsustainable, particularly in terms of cost. Therefore, the quest to replace such unsustainable components is developing in Africa and Asia. This book helps aquaculture farmers, researchers, the aquafeed industry, investors, students, lawmakers, and other stakeholders in the aquaculture field to comprehend scientific-based sustainable feed ingredients and additives in aquaculture from an African and Asian viewpoint.

This book is a comprehensive review of the recent research on the lipotoxicity-related mechanisms in obesity and the development of new treatment strategies. In this second edition, the possible molecular treatment methods and their recent clinical approaches are discussed in addition to the basic mechanisms that are available and thoroughly reviewed previously. Moreover, all chapters have been reviewed, according to the current concepts and seven new chapters are added, covering obesity-related epigenetic modifications, senescence, obesity-related cancer development, endocrine disruptors, as well as nanotechnology-based clinical approaches. This book is an essential resource for clinicians and basic science researchers, such as biochemists, toxicologists, immunologists, nutritionists, adult and pediatric endocrinologists, and cardiologists, as well as all researchers or students who want to learn the mysteries of obesity.

This is the second and fully updated edition of the successful volume on intestinal failure in adults and children. The book provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of intestinal failure: from acute and chronic intestinal failure management and treatment, to outcomes, consequences and problems of treatment. In addition, 20 new chapters have been added, covering acute and chronic pancreatitis, critical care and abdominal pain among other topics. Each of the chapters contains a section with top tips on the topic, summarizing the essential take-home messages. Highly educational, this book is a must have for gastroenterologists but is of use for all members of a hospital nutrition support team including nurses, dietitians and pharmacists, whom it will serve as a practical guide for management of intestinal failure both in the hospital and in an outpatient setting. Written by a multidisciplinary author team, this book brings this important subject to a wide readership. With extensive referencing the book provides a detailed overview of the topic, discussing the latest research in the subject and how this relates to current clinical practice and potential future treatments.

This book presents cutting-edge research and developments in the field of Biomedical Engineering. It describes both fundamental and clinically-oriented findings, highlighting advantages and challenges of innovative methods and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, wearable devices and neuroengineering, important issues related to health technology management and human factors in health, and new findings in biomechanical analysis and modeling. Gathering the proceedings of the XXVII Brazilian Congress on Biomedical Engineering, CBEB 2020, held on October 26-30, 2020, in Vitória, Brazil, and promoted by the Brazilian Society of Biomedical Engineering – SBEB, this book gives emphasis to research and developments carried out by Brazilian scientists, institutions and professionals. It offers an extensive overview on new trends and clinical implementation of technologies, and it is intended to foster communication and collaboration between medical scientists, engineers, and researchers inside and outside the country.

This book provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS). The text reviews the emerging science behind the new PARDS definition; explores epidemiology, pathobiology, etiologies, and risk factors; reviews state-of-the-art treatment modalities and strategies; and discusses clinical outcomes.Written by experts in the field, Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Clinical Guide is a valuable resource for clinicians and practitioners who specialize in pediatric critical care.

This book provides an up-to-date review of the fundamentals of lipid metabolism and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Focusing on lipid transfer proteins in the circulation and cells, the role of important lipid transporters, the effect of recently discovered lipid binding proteins, and the link between lipid metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases, it covers phospholipid transfer protein, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, ABC binding cassette members, and more. The book offers graduate students and researchers a coherent overview of lipid transfer and transport, as well as the limitations of current research in the field, and promotes further studies on cardiovascular diseases, as well as pharmaceutical research on drug discovery based on lipid transfer, transport, and binding.

This book describes the methods of analysis and determination of oxidants and oxidative stress in biological systems. Reviews and protocols on select methods of analysis of ROS, RNS, oxygen, redox status, and oxidative stress in biological systems are described in detail. It is an essential resource for both novices and experts in the field of oxidant and oxidative stress biology.

This book, part of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine textbook series, provides detailed up-to-date information on the physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments that are frequently present following a stay in an intensive care unit and examines in depth the available preventive and therapeutic strategies, including adapted rehabilitation programs. Beyond acquainting readers with the multiple facets of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), the book aims to promote the effective follow-up of patients, thereby enhancing their ability to work and their functional autonomy, and to identify risk factors for the development of PICS as a stimulus to beneficial organizational changes in intensive care departments.The background to the book is the realization by healthcare providers that the quality of life of patients who have required a stay in an intensive care unit can be severely impaired or even become unacceptable. All too often, the diverse sequelae are overlooked by specialists of other disciplines. Moreover, families and caregivers are also at high risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine has developed the Lessons from the ICU series with the vision of providing focused and state-of-the-art overviews of central topics in Intensive Care and optimal resources for clinicians working in Intensive Care. This book, written by renowned experts in the field, will facilitate the transmission of key knowledge with significant clinical and financial benefits.

The goal of this book is not to follow a traditional systems or organ-based approach but rather to encourage our readers to think of the patients as complex biochemical systems. The book provides information that supplements the more traditional approaches and provides a detailed overview of the metabolic knowledge needed for surgical practice. The text reviews normal physiology, the pathophysiology of starvation and surgical stressors. It also focuses on appropriate nutritional repletion for various common disease states. Specifically, chapters address the severe metabolic demands created by systemic inflammation, infection, and major insults such as trauma and burns. All chapters are written by experts in their fields and include the most up-to-date scientific and clinical information. As biochemical aspects of modern medicine are advancing rapidly, chapters have been updated and several new chapters have been added in order to help readers keep pace in this race for state-of-the-art knowledge. Surgical Metabolism: The Metabolic Care of the Surgical Patient 2nd Edition is designed for clinicians across levels of training and provides clear and concise evidence based guidelines for the metabolic management and nutritional support of the surgical patient.

Diabetic Neuropathy and Clinical Practice aims to improve the pathophysiological understanding of the entire spectrum from sensory motor to autonomic diabetic neuropathy, its correlation with the symptoms, improving thereby the communication with the patient including prognostication and other tools that one should utilize to better management. It also emphasizes the need to regain the grip on the basic sciences of clinical medicine to deal with it better - Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Pathology and gives the necessary details. The volume aims at explaining what the clinicians need most to help patients and may not possess.

This book highlights the multifaceted roles of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in modulating normal cellular and molecular mechanisms during the development of different types of heart disease. Each chapter in the book deals with the role that altered redox homeostasis plays in the pathophysiology of heart disease. In addition, the book explains how reactive oxidant species interact with their targets and provides novel strategies for attenuating oxidative stress-induced types of heart disease.The book not only covers ROS-induced response in heart disease at the cellular level, but also demonstrates that an imbalance of redox states has its roots in our genes, and explains the ways gene expression is regulated. In turn, it reviews potential sources of ROS, their pathological effects on the heart, and potential sites for therapeutic interventions.

This book establishes and specifies a rigorously scientific and clinically valid basis for nonpharmaceutical approaches to many common diseases and disorders found in clinical settings. It includes lifestyle and supplement recommendations for beginning and maintaining autonomic nervous system and mitochondrial health and wellness. The book is organized around a six-pronged mind-body wellness program and contains a series of clinical applications and frequently asked questions. The physiologic need and clinical benefit and synergism of all six aspects working together are detailed, including the underlying biochemistry, with exhaustive references to statistically significant and clinically relevant studies. The book covers a range of clinical disorders, including anxiety, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, bipolar disease, dementia, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, heart diseases, hypertension, mast cell disorder, migraine, and PTSD. Clinical Autonomic and Mitochondrial Disorders: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment for Mind-Body Wellness is an essential resource for physicians, residents, fellows, medical students, and researchers in cardiology, primary care, neurology, endocrinology, psychiatry, and integrative and functional medicine. It provides therapy options to the indications and diagnoses published in the authors'book Clinical Autonomic Dysfunction (Springer, 2014).

This book bridges the gap between fundamental and translational research in the area of heart disease. It describes a multidisciplinary approach, and demonstrates biochemical mechanisms associated with dysregulation of redox signaling, which leads heart disease. Presenting recent studies on improved forms of ROS scavenging enzymes; specific inhibitors for different ROS generating enzymes; and oxidant induced signaling pathways and their antagonists that allow subtle modulation of redox signaling, it also discusses the spatial and temporal aspects of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system, which are of vital importance in developing better strategies for treating heart disease. Each chapter offers researchers valuable insights into identifying targets for drug development for different types of heart disease.

The book Heat Shock Protein 60 in Human Diseases and Disorders provides the most comprehensive review on contemporary knowledge on the role of HSP60 in human diseases and disorders. Using an integrative approach, the contributors provide a synopsis of novel mechanisms and signal transduction pathways. To enhance the ease of reading and comprehension the book has further been subdivided into various section including; Section I: Biomolecular Aspects of HSP60; Section II: HSP60 and Cancer; Section III: HSP60 and Inflammatory Diseases and Disorders; Section IV: HSP60 and Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders; Section V: HSP60 and Neurological and Neurosciences; Section VI: Biomolecular Aspects of HSP60; Section VII: HSP60 and Skeletal Muscle Diseases and Disorders; and Section VIII: HSP60 in Human Health.Key basic and clinical research laboratories from major universities, academic medical hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories around the world have contributed chapters that review present research activity and importantly project the field into the future. The book is a must read for graduate students. medical students, basic science researchers and postdoctoral scholars in the fields of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research, Human Physiology, Biotechnology, Neurology & Neuroscience, Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease, Skeletal Muscle Diseases and Disorders, Cell & Molecular Medicine, Pharmaceutical Scientists and Researchers involved in Drug Discovery.

This book provides up-to-date knowledge on all aspects of the multidisciplinary approach to pulmonary rehabilitation that is essential in order to achieve optimal results. It will be an ideal resource especially for pulmonologists in training, but will also be of value for physiotherapists, other health care professionals, and technicians. Detailed information is presented on the diverse program components in pulmonary rehabilitation, with clear explanation of the roles of the nutritionist, psychologist, occupational therapist, respiratory nurse, and physical activity coach. Guidance is provided on identification of candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation and on all aspects of assessment, including exercise capacity, muscle function, and physical activity. Patient-centered, economic, and other outcomes are examined, with separate discussion of combined outcome assessment. Furthermore, due consideration is given to organizational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation and to rehabilitation in specific scenarios, e.g., thoracic oncology and surgery, transplantation, and the ICU. The authors are internationally recognized experts selected for their expertise in the topics they discuss.

​​This book is the first of its kind to describe ocular manifestations of systemic diseases in the pediatric population. Written and edited by experts in areas of pediatric ophthalmology and genetics, this new text covers a multitude of topics in a comprehensive and cataloged fashion. The Eye in Pediatric Systemic Disease is designed as an in-depth and up-to-date reference work that is heavily referenced, thus allowing the reader ready access to the international supporting literature. Everything from ocular manifestations of hematologic disease, child abuse, psychiatric diseases, renal disorders, and vitamin disorders are covered, allowing readers to know what to look for in the eyes of children with a given systemic disorder. The Eye in Pediatric Systemic Disease is written in language that is accessible to ophthalmologists and pediatricians, as well as allied health care professionals.

This comprehensive volume discusses in vitro laboratory development of insulin-producing cells. It encompasses multiple aspects of islet biology—from embryonic development and stem cell differentiation to clinical studies in islet transplantation, regulation of islet beta-cell regeneration, pancreatic progenitors, mathematical modelling of islet development, epigenetic regulation, and much more. The chapter authors represent leading laboratories from around the world who contribute their international perspectives and global expertise. Collectively, they provide the reader with a concise yet detailed knowledge of processes and current developments in islet regenerative biology. Pancreatic Islet Biology, part of the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series, is essential reading for researchers and clinicians in stem cells or endocrinology, especially those focusing on diabetes.

This volume argues for the importance of essential nutrients in our diet. Over the last two decades there has been an explosion of research on the relationship of Omega-3 fatty acids and the importance of antioxidants to human health. Expert authors discuss the importance of a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids for successful human growth and development and for the prevention of disease. Chapters highlight their contribution to the prevention and amelioration of a wide range of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, obesity, mental health and bone health. An indispensable text designed for nutritionists, dietitians, clinicians and health related professionals, Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Keys to Nutritional Health presents a comprehensive assessment of the current knowledge about the nutritional effects of Omega-3 fatty acids and their delivery in foods.

This comprehensive textbook, covering all aspects of the perioperative management of patients undergoing organ transplantation, serves as the standard reference for clinicians who care for transplant patients on a day-to-day basis as well as those who encounter organ transplantation only occasionally in their clinical practice. Anesthesia and Perioperative Care for Organ Transplantation covers transplantation of the heart, lung, liver, pancreas, and kidney, as well as multivisceral and composite tissue graft transplantations. For each kind of transplantation, the full spectrum of perioperative considerations is addressed: preoperative preparation, intraoperative anesthesia management, surgical techniques, and postoperative care. Each chapter contains evidence-based recommendations, relevant society guidelines, management algorithms, and institutional protocols as tables, flow diagrams, and figures. Photographs demonstrating surgical techniques, anesthesia procedures, and perfusion management are included. Anesthesia and Perioperative Care for Organ Transplantation is for anesthesiologists and critical care physicians; transplantation surgeons; nurse anesthetists; ICU nurses; and trainees.​​

This book discusses different aspects of trauma surgery, ranging from the various types of trauma and their management, infection, sepsis and inflammation to tissue injury and repair in trauma. It discusses cellular, molecular and genetic research findings and their role in pathogenesis in trauma and injury. In addition, it highlights the translational application of advanced theories and technologies in the management of trauma patients. This book is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the management of severe trauma damage to tissues wanting to reduce early mortality and improve patients'quality of life.

The purpose of this monograph is to present readers with a comprehensive and cutting edge description of neurochemical effects of diet (beneficial and harmful effects) in normal human brain and to discuss how present day diet promotes pathogenesis of stroke, AD, PD, and depression in a manner that is useful not only to students and teachers but also to researchers, dietitians, nutritionists and physicians. A diet in sufficient amount and appropriate macronutrients is essential for optimal health of human body tissues. In brain, over-nutrition, particularly with high-calorie diet, not only alters cellular homeostasis, but also results in changes in the intensity of signal transduction processes in reward centers of the brain resulting in food addiction. Over-nutrition produces detrimental effects on human health in general and brain health in particular because it chronically increases the systemic and brain inflammation and oxidative stress along with induction of insulin resistance and leptin resistance in the brain as well as visceral organs. Onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress not only leads to obesity and heart disease, but also promotes type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for both acute neural trauma (stroke) and chronic age-related neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD) and depression.

This book covers all aspects of aesthetic breast surgery in an instructive, step-by-step format. The descriptions of procedures are completely up to date, encompassing newly introduced techniques and recent modifications of established techniques. Individual parts of the book are devoted to breast augmentation, mastopexy, and breast reduction. Detailed consideration is also given to risks and complications, with guidance on their avoidance and the treatment of complications. In addition, anatomy, anesthesia, and a range of miscellaneous procedures applicable in specific circumstances are all well covered. The authors are acknowledged experts in their fields who draw on a wealth of experience in describing and illustrating their personally favored techniques. Aesthetic Surgery of the Breast will be an ideal reference for both students (residents and fellows) and practicing cosmetic, plastic, and general surgeons.

This volume is a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review for clinicians with an interest in the peri-operative nutritional management of all surgical patients. The text reviews normal physiology, the pathophysiology of starvation and surgical stressors, and focuses on appropriate nutritional repletion for various common disease states. Specifically, the text addresses the severe metabolic demands created by systemic inflammation, infection, and major insults such as trauma and burns. In addition, the book addresses the growing problem of obesity in surgical populations, including appropriate strategies directed towards the metabolic management of these patients. The text is designed for clinicians across levels of training and provides clear and concise evidence based guidelines for the metabolic management and nutritional support of the surgical patient.Written by experts in the field, Surgical Metabolism: The Metabolic Care of the Surgical Patient is a valuable resource for all clinicians involved in the care of the critically ill.

The yearbook compiles the most recent, widespread developments of experimental and clinical research and practice in one comprehensive reference book. The chapters are written by well recognized experts in the field of intensive care and emergency medicine. It is addressed to everyone involved in internal medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pediatrics, intensive care and emergency medicine.

This book is intended to provide up-to-date and emerging information in the field of diabetes mellitus with a focus on preventive, predictive and personalized medicine.

Over the past decade, the study of microglial cells has gained increasing importance, in particular for those working in the fields of degeneration and regeneration. Microglia in the Regenerating and Degenerating CNS supports the assertion that understanding microglial biology could perhaps be pivotal for unraveling the pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie Alzheimer's disease, currently the most widely studied disorder of the central nervous system. In addition, microglia are also critical for understanding the sequelae of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and for the vitally important post-traumatic repair processes. This book gives an up to date account of the role of microglia in degeneration and regeneration of the nervous system and also reviews microglial cell function and physiology. Cellular neurobiologists will find that this is a valuable guide to the importance and role of microglia in the CNS.

Jeder 5. Patient in der Arztpraxis hat Diabetes - und die Zahl der Diabetiker steigt weiter Auf die Bedürfnisse der täglichen Praxis abgestimmt Strukturierte, klar definierte Vorgehensweisen für Diagnostik, Therapieregime, Therapieziele - inklusive Vorbeugung und Behandlung diabetesassoziierter Spätkomplikationen. NEU und NOCH BESSER Wissen praktikabel und schnell erfassbar Erweiterte Inhalte Neues Kapitel'Therapiefehler'Berücksichtigung von Leitlinien und evidenzbasierten Erkenntnissen Berücksichtigung neuer Versorgungsstrukturen Erweiterter Anhang'Wichtiges auf einen Blick'Übersicht zu definierten Therapiezielen und -werten Ernährungsempfehlungen/-tabellen Tabelle aller Insuline Regeln für Kraftfahrer Ausführlicher Adressteil inklusive Internetadressen und Selbsthilfegruppen Verbesserte Struktur und Didaktik Hervorhebungen von Praxistipps und Merksätzen Kommentierte Kasuistiken Zusammenfassungen der wichtigsten Kernaussagen Mehr Tabellen, Aufzählungen und Übersichten Wissen für die optimale Diabetes-Therapie – so wichtig wie noch nie

This will serve primarily as a hardcover, library purchase with a short shelf life of 6 months and will also add to the exposure of other works by Jean-Louis Vincent, the Update in Intensive Care Medicine series, which was repackaged to suit the North American market. This book compiles the most recent, widespread developments of experimental and clinical research and practice in one comprehensive reference book. The chapters are written by well recognized experts in the field of intensive care and emergency medicine. It is addressed to everyone involved in internal medicine, anesthesia, surgery, pediatrics, intensive care and emergency medicine.

Although age has been recognized as a risk factor for late-onset dementia of Alzheimer type, its etiology is unknown as yet. Several age-related metabolic abnormalities may thus become important for the pathogenesis of the late-onset form. Studies at the cellular/molecular level in brain tissue are possible post mortem, but lack information on the beginning of the disorder. In this supplement, different approaches are dealt with how to induce structural and/or metabolic abnormalities in relevant cell cultures, in brain slices and in experimental animals, and how behavioral changes parallel the metabolic variations.

​​Will address an important, yet underrepresented, topic. The correlation between viruses and atherosclerosis has been a focal point of the authors'work, for a number of years. This volume will explore the relationship between different viral strains and atherosclerosis. It will begin by describing the hypothesis and denoting the mechanisms of virus-driven atherosclerosis, then expanding on the subject by focusing on different virus strains—from Herpes, to Epstein-Barr, to the triad of Hepatitis viruses, et al—on a chapter-by-chapter basis. While there are books, albeit few, that cover particular viral strains and their relationship to cardiovascular diseases, this work will be unique in its scope by considering multiple strains of viruses, making it a repository of information on the topic; a truly comprehensive volume.​

The pathophysiology of sepsis can be regarded as a series of steps, beginning with the invasion of normally sterile tissue by microbes and the elaboration of various pro-inflammatory mediators. The final common pathway is often the development of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Whereas a great deal has been learned during the past quarter century about the inflammatory processes associated with sepsis (and other related conditions, such as ischemia/reperfusion injury), our understanding is far less developed with respect to the pathophysiological events that lead to organ dysfunction under these conditions. Nevertheless, efforts by both clinical and laboratory scientists are leading to new knowledge in this area. The chapters in this volume provide a state-of-the-art overview of many aspects of the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction in critical illness.

Diabetes is a complex disease and is also one of the most common. It is very difficult to reach an accurate estimate for the global prevalence of diabetes since the standards and methods of data collection vary widely in different parts of the world. In addition, many potential sufferers are not included in the count because according to an estimate about 50% of cases remain undiagnosed for up to 10 years. However, according to an estimate for 2010, globally, there are about 285 million people (amounting to 6.4% of the adult population) suffering from this disease. This number is estimated to increase to 439 million by 2030 if no cure is found. The general increase in life expectancy, leading to an ageing population, and the global rise in obesity are two main reasons for the increase.With the basic platform set, Editor presents his views and advice to the readers, especially to diabetic patients suffering from T2DM, on the basis of his observations and information collected from other diabetics.

In the past decade we have witnessed the birth and maturing of a field of research centering on the Ca2+ signaling functions of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), which structures and mechanisms of action are truly unique among all Ca2+ messengers. A wide range of physiological functions are now known to be mediated by them in cells spanning three biological kingdoms from protist, plant to animal. This is the first book devoted entirely to the field. The story behind the emergence of the field is told and followed by comprehensive reviews of the enzymology, regulations and gene structures of ADP-ribosyl cyclases responsible for metabolizing cADPR and NAADP. Also covered is some of the current methodology developed for and widely used in the field. The rest of the book focuses on and details the Ca2+ signaling mechanisms and specific physiological functions of these two messengers in various cellular systems.

The physiological genomics of the cardiovascular system studies the relationship between gene and physiological (dys)function. It is a rapidly developing area of research and distinguishes itself from other areas of molecular medicine by its highly integrative nature. In this multi­ disciplinarian area of the physiological sciences, there is interaction between gene structure and physiological cardiovascular function as well as interactions between the different organs and their physiological compartments. The mouse has played a central role in the study of genomics due to the detailed knowledge of the mouse genome and the wide availability of genetically modified mice. In the past, the mouse had mainly been used in the area of immunology and molecular biology, and physiological interest in the mouse was scarce. As more insight has come into the structural genomics of the mouse, however, it has become increasingly important to understand the relation between gene and physiological function. With this in mind we have been organizing the Amsterdam Mouse Symposia to bring together different disciplines interested in the molecular basis of cardiovascular function (see J. of Clinical and Exp. Pharmacology and rd Physiology (2002) 29:A69-AI02 for the proceedings of the 3 Amsterdam Mouse Symposium and Basic Research in Cardiology (2000) 95:492-535 for nd the proceedings of the 2 symposium).

On occasion, the innate immune system is referred to as the'primitive'immune system. Perhaps this has dissuaded immu­ nologists from analyzing it as energetically as they have analyzed the adaptive immune system during the past two decades. But while its phylogenetic origins are indeed ancient, and though it is'of the first type', there is nothing crude, nothing unsophisti­ cated, and nothing'inferior'about innate immunity. On the contrary, the innate immune system has had time to achieve a level of refinement that is nothing short of dazzling, and a modicum of respect is at long last due. Any immune system has two cardinal functions. It must destroy a broad range of pathogens, and it must spare the host. The adaptive immune system has applied a modular solution to these problems. Each cell of the adaptive immune system is prescreened to eliminate those that would produce untoward interactions with self; each cell is pre-programmed to recognize a foreign epitope that the host might one day encounter. Hence, the duties of each individual lymphocyte are quite circumscribed.

Much research over the past 30 to 40 years has shown that the inflammatory response, while critical for host defense during microbial infection, may itself play a central role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Although key mediators responsible for this injury have been identified, efforts clinically to augment our conventional antimicrobial and supportive therapies during sepsis with agents modulating the inflammatory response have been unsuccessful. As a result, the mortality associated with this lethal syndrome, especially when complicated by shock, has remained persistently high. Unfortunately, during this same period of time, the incidence of sepsis has accelerated as other fields of medicine have relied increasingly on therapies that predispose to infection. While frustrating, overall this experience in the field of sepsis has not been without value. Most importantly, it has helped define on several different levels the complexity of the septic patient. Recognizing and addressing this complexity as discussed by each of the contributors to Evolving Concepts in Sepsis and Septic Shock may now provide new inroads into the treatment of sepsis.

Brain Injury is the second volume in the book series, Molecular and Cellular Biology of Critical Care Medicine. In this volume, a group of internationally regarded experts in important areas of neuroscience and neurointensive care research address the molecular and cellular basis of acute brain injury. This text covers acute brain injury within a context relevant to the care of patients with critical neurologic injuries such as cardiac arrest, trauma and stroke. It includes recent data pertaining to established pathways such as neurotransmission, exitotoxicity, ionic-mechanisms, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cerebral vascular injury. In addition, rapidly developing areas such as cell signaling, adenosine pharmacology, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurocytoskeletal changes, and the role of trophic factors are reviewed from the level of in vitro modeling to human data. Other topics covered that are highly clinically relevant include the effect of genetic background and gender differences in outcome after brain injury, preconditioning, and the effects of currently used anesthetics and sedative agents in patients with brain injury.

We organized the Seventh International Winter Conference on Neurodegeneration and Neuroinflammation in a small town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture in Japan on January 20 to 22, 1999. Karuizawa is a nice summer as well as winter resort close to the place for winter Olympic game in the year of 1998. Over 40 scientists gathered together and made hot discussion. Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation are two major and important neurologic disorders, in which satisfactory neuroprotective and neurorestorative treatment is not available yet. For this purpose, understanding of molecular mechanisms of neuronal cell death in these two disorders is imperative. Recently, pathologic processes common to these two groups of disorders have been identified such as the involvement of inflammatory changes, microglia, cytokines, and apoptosis. We intended to involve scientists working in these two major fields together to participate in hot and fruitful discussion for the understanding of neuronal death and for developing newer methods of treatment. The science is progressing so rapidly today and we are working in a very narrow specialized area. Sometimes, we are ignorant about important discoveries in other fields. This conference was a nice opportunity for scien­ tists working different areas to meet together and to exchange their experi­ ence. This volume is the proceedings of this Winter Conference.