Medical research Books

Book SynopsisThe spread of cancer cells from their organ of origin to distant tissues is called metastasis. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of death from cancer, and in many cases is difficult to detect or treat. The process by which tumour cells become metastatic is complex and involves many stages, including detachment of cells from the main tumour mass, degradation of the surrounding extra-cellular matrix, invasion into nearby blood vessels, travel and survival through the circulatory system, attachment to a vessel wall, extra-vasation, degradation of the extra-cellular matrix into a distant tissue/organ, and the development of a novel blood supply. In order to accomplish this process, the cells acquire characteristics which are important for each stage. Recently, a class of genes known as metastasis suppressors'' has been the subject of intense investigation. For some metastasis suppressor genes, there is strong evidence from both in vitro and in vivo studies to demonstrate key roles in the metastatic process, for others data is much more limited, and their importance uncertain. In this book, chapters are devoted to providing up-to-date summaries of our understanding of individual metastasis suppressor genes. Each is written by a leading authority in the study of that gene. Topics covered include discussions on how each metastasis suppressor was discovered, the mechanisms underlying their loss of expression in tumours and tumour cell lines, their proposed molecular functions, and the consequences to a tumour cell of the loss of this function. This compilation aims to provide, in a single volume, comprehensive information that will be valuable to all scientists working in cancer research, to students needing to understand molecular events that regulate tumour progression and the acquisition of metastasis, and to clinicians who might wish to know more of the roles of potentially new markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

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Book SynopsisProteins are made of strings of amino acids that form chains known as peptides. Our bodies need dietary protein to accomplish many basic functions, such as building bones, moving muscles, and repairing tissue. Dietary protein, an essential nutrient, comes from meat, dairy, and certain grains and beans. Proteins differ by the types and order of amino acids they contain. Even though there are only 20 amino acids, they create almost endless variations in chains as long as 500 links. Proteins form inside animals (including humans) and plants through processes that synthesize peptides. For humans, we cannot synthesise certain "essential protein," and so we must ingest them through food. These essential proteins are made of phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, and valine amino acids. Food from plants, like corn, have incomplete protein, which means they do not contain all the necessary amino acids. Only food from animals, such as cheese and fish, provide complete protein, and don''t need to be combined with other protein sources. Examples of complete protein foods are milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, poultry, pork, or any meat. Incomplete proteins include oats, wheat, pasta, lentils, nuts, rice, soy, pears, and seeds. Eating a combination of complementary protein sources, such as grains mixed with legumes, results in a diet of essential protein. This is how vegetarians and vegans maintain health without eating meat or dairy. This book presents the latest research in this dynamic field.

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Book SynopsisTumour markers are molecules occurring in blood or tissue that are associated with cancer, and whose measurement or identification is useful in patient diagnosis or clinical management. This book analyses potential signals of cancerous tumours, otherwise known as markers or indicators. This includes, direct and rapid determination of cancer antigen, potential tumour markers for cholangiocarcinoma, melanoma inhibitory activity, metastatic uveal melanoma, measurement of tumour oxygenation, bladder cancer markers, epithelial cell adhesion and progression markers in prostate tumours.

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Book SynopsisAmong the many applications of stem cell research are nervous system diseases, diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune diseases as well as Parkinson''s disease, end-stage kidney disease, liver failure, cancer, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson''s disease, and Alzheimer''s disease. Stem cells are self-renewing, unspecialised cells that can give rise to multiple types all of specialised cells of the body. Stem cell research also involves complex ethical and legal considerations since they involve adult, foetal tissue and embryonic sources. This book presents important research from around the globe.

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Book SynopsisThis book brings together the latest research in the battle against autism. According to numerous news reports, the increase in special needs children has reached epidemic proportions. Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviours have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 in 1,000 individuals. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Autism is a spectrum disorder. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviours, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviours in any degree of severity. People with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour may be present.

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Book SynopsisCancer is a group of different diseases (more than 100) characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can arise in many sites and behave differently depending on its organ of origin. If a cancer spreads (metastasises), the new tumour bears the same name as the original (primary) tumour. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the battle against cancer and in understanding its underlying biological mechanisms. This research progress has resulted in many experimental treatments and cures which establish hope for wide-spread cures. This book presents leading-edge research from around the world.

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Book SynopsisMental retardation is a term for a pattern of persistently slow learning of basic motor and language skills ("milestones") during childhood, and a significantly below-normal global intellectual capacity as an adult. One common criterion for diagnosis of mental retardation is a tested intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or below. This book examines new and critical research and issues in the field.

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Book SynopsisSleep apnea or sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas (literally, "without breath"), each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. There are two distinct forms of sleep apnea: Central and Obstructive. Breathing is interrupted by the lack of effort in Central Sleep Apnea, but from a physical block to airflow despite effort in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In Mixed Sleep Apnea, both types of events occur. Regardless of type, the individual affected with sleep apnea is rarely (if ever) aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognised as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes, or is suspected because of its effects on the body (sequelae). This volume examines leading-edge research important for an understanding of the field.

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Book SynopsisSleep apnea or sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterised by pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas (literally, "without breath"), each last long enough so one or more breaths are missed, and occur repeatedly throughout sleep. There are two distinct forms of sleep apnea: Central and Obstructive. Breathing is interrupted by the lack of effort in Central Sleep Apnea, but from a physical block to airflow despite effort in Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In Mixed Sleep Apnea, both types of events occur. Regardless of type, the individual affected with sleep apnea is rarely (if ever) aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognised as a problem by others witnessing the individual during episodes, or is suspected because of its effects on the body. This volume offers new and valuable research developments.

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Book SynopsisMental retardation is a term for a pattern of persistently slow learning of basic motor and language skills ("milestones") during childhood, and a significantly below-normal global intellectual capacity as an adult. One common criterion for diagnosis of mental retardation is a tested intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or below. This book presents leading-edge research from around the world.

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Book SynopsisThe dendrimer is a common name of polymers which are characterised by a specific structure, although their chemical composition can be very different. Dendrimers display several characteristics which distinguish them from linear polymers. All dendrimers are synthesised by attaching branched monomers to the central core molecule. Monomers are attached layer by layer. As a result of such a synthesis, dendrimers posses plenty of terminal, reactive groups on their surface and empty internal cavities. Both of these features can be utilised. Soon after the first synthesis in mid-1980''s, dendrimers have become interesting and promising molecules for pharmaceutical and technical aims. The last years brought many new facts about dendrimers impact on biological systems. Both, general toxic studies, as well as detailed research devoted to particular cellular compounds, as DNA or lipid bilayer, were carried out. New types of dendrimers were synthesised and new applications appeared.

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Book SynopsisHepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a member of the Hepadnavirus family and one of several unrelated viral species which cause viral hepatitis. It was originally known as "serum hepatitis" and has caused current epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa. Hepatitis B is recognised as endemic in China and various other parts of Asia. The proportion of the world''s population currently infected with the virus is 3 to 6%, but up to a third have been exposed. Symptoms of the acute illness caused by the virus include liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice, and rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may cause liver cirrhosis which may then lead to liver cancer. This book presents the latest advances in the field.

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Book SynopsisVitamin A is a generic term for a large number of related compounds. Retinol (an alcohol) and retinal (an aldehyde) are often referred to as preformed vitamin A. Retinal can be converted by the body to retinoic acid, the form of vitamin A known to affect gene transcription. Retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, and related compounds are known as retinoids. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids that can be converted by the body into retinol are referred to as provitamin A carotenoids. Hundreds of different carotenoids are synthesised by plants, but only about 10 % of them are provitamin A carotenoids. This book presents important new research in the field.

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Book SynopsisBreast cancer is a malignant tumour that has developed from cells of the breast. A malignant tumour is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it as well. The main types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma in situ, invasive lobular carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and Paget''s disease of the nipple . About 1 of 8 women will get it in her lifetime. This book presents the latest research in this field.

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Book SynopsisSmoking is the most common risk factor for the development of lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death. It is also associated with many other types of cancer, including cancers of the esophagus, larynx, kidney, pancreas, and cervix. Smoking also increases the risk of other health problems, such as chronic lung disease and heart disease. Smoking during pregnancy can have adverse effects on the unborn child, such as premature delivery and low birth weight. This book presents cutting-edge research in this field.

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Book SynopsisHepatitis B is a disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a member of the Hepadnavirus family and one of several unrelated viral species which cause viral hepatitis. It was originally known as "serum hepatitis" and has caused current epidemics in parts of Asia and Africa. Hepatitis B is recognised as endemic in China and various other parts of Asia. The proportion of the world''s population currently infected with the virus is 3 to 6%, but up to a third have been exposed. Symptoms of the acute illness caused by the virus include liver inflammation, vomiting, jaundice, and rarely, death. Chronic hepatitis B may cause liver cirrhosis which may then lead to liver cancer.

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Book SynopsisA tumour suppressor gene is a gene that reduces the probability that a cell in a multicellular organism will turn into a tumor cell. A mutation or deletion of such a gene will increase the probability of the formation of a tumor. Unlike oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes generally follow the ''two-hit hypothesis'', which implies that both alleles that code for a particular gene must be affected before an effect is manifested. This is due to the fact that if only one allele for the gene is damaged, the second can still produce the correct protein. However, there are cases where mutations in only one allele will cause an effect. A notable example is the gene that codes for p53. Tumor suppressor genes, or more precisely, the proteins for which they code, either have a dampening or repressive effect on the regulation of the cell cycle or promote apoptosis, and sometimes do both. This book presents new and important research from throughout the world.

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Book SynopsisDNA methylation is a type of chemical modification of DNA that can be inherited without changing the DNA sequence. As such, it is part of the epigenetic code and is the most characterised epigenetic mechanism. DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA -- for example, to the number 5 carbon of the cytosine pyrimidine ring. DNA methylation is probably universal in eukaryotes. In humans, approximately 1% of DNA bases undergo DNA methylation. In adult somatic tissues, DNA methylation typically occurs in a CpG dinucleotide context; non-CpG methylation is prevalent in embryonic stem cells.In plants, cytosines are methylated both symmetrically (CpG or CpNpG) and asymmetrically (CpNpNp), where N can be any nucleotide. The methylation status of specific cytosines can be determined using methods based on bisulfite sequencing. This book presents new and important research from around the world in this field.

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Book SynopsisDNA methylation is a type of chemical modification of DNA that can be inherited without changing the DNA sequence. As such, it is part of the epigenetic code and is the most characterised epigenetic mechanism. DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA -- for example, to the number 5 carbon of the cytosine pyrimidine ring. DNA methylation is probably universal in eukaryotes. In humans, approximately 1% of DNA bases undergo DNA methylation. In adult somatic tissues, DNA methylation typically occurs in a CpG dinucleotide context; non-CpG methylation is prevalent in embryonic stem cells.In plants, cytosines are methylated both symmetrically (CpG or CpNpG) and asymmetrically (CpNpNp), where N can be any nucleotide. The methylation status of specific cytosines can be determined using methods based on bisulfite sequencing. This book presents leading-edge research advances in the field.

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Book SynopsisCancer is a group of different diseases (more than 100) characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can arise in many sites and behave differently depending on its organ of origin. If a cancer spreads (metastasises), the new tumour bears the same name as the original (primary) tumour. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the battle against cancer and in understanding its underlying biological mechanisms. This research progress has resulted in many experimental treatments and cures. This book presents new and important research from around the world.

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Book SynopsisCardiac arrhythmia is a term that denotes a disturbance of the heart rhythm. Cardiac arrhythmias can range in severity from entirely benign to immediately life-threatening. A cardiac arrhythmia, also called cardiac dysrhythmia, is a disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat. Several forms of cardiac arrhythmia are life-threatening and a medical emergency. Cardiac arrhythmias sometimes are classified according to their origin as either ventricular arrhythmias (originating in the ventricles) or supraventricular arrhythmias (originating in heart areas above the ventricles, typically the atria). They also can be classified according to their effect on the heart rate, with bradycardia indicating a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute and tachycardia indicating a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. This book presents new and important research in the field including an Expert Commentary on collateral damage.

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Book SynopsisNeurotoxicity syndromes are neurologic disorders caused by exposure to toxic substances through ingestion, injection, cutaneous application, or other method. This includes conditions caused by biologic, chemical, and pharmaceutical agents. This book presents the latest new research in this dynamic field.

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Book SynopsisGenes, which are carried on chromosomes, are the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes get a lot of attention, it''s the proteins that perform most life functions and even make up the majority of cellular structures. When genes are altered so that the encoded proteins are unable to carry out their normal functions, genetic disorders can result. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material into a person''s cells to fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials for many different types of cancer and for numerous other diseases. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

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Book SynopsisTumourigenesis is the formation of tumours in the body, often caused by oncogenes. These tumours are the result of uncontrollable reproduction (cell division) due to alterations in the cell''s genetic code, creating lesions in the tissue where they reside. Tumourigenesis can be divided into tumour initiation, promotion and progression. Oncogenomics often studies tumours caused by such a condition in hope of pinpointing genes -- pieces of genetic information -- that are susceptible to being changed (mutated) by external factors like ultraviolet light, toxic chemicals, and other carcinogens. The range of normal genetic alterations that a person''s DNA undergoes over time is extraordinarily large, so it is hard to detect exactly what cause tumourigenesis. This book presents the latest research advances in the field.

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Book SynopsisOne of the main causes of failure in the treatment of cancer is the development of drug resistance by the cancer cells. The design of cancer chemotherapy has become increasingly sophisticated, yet there is no cancer treatment that is 100% effective against disseminated cancer. Resistance to treatment with anticancer drugs results from a variety of factors including individual variations in patients and somatic cell genetic differences in tumours, even those from the same tissue of origin. Frequently resistance is intrinsic to the cancer, but as therapy becomes more and more effective, acquired resistance has also become common. The most common reason for acquisition of resistance to a broad range of anticancer drugs is expression of one or more energy-dependent transporters that detect and eject anti-cancer drugs from cells, but other mechanisms of resistance including insensitivity to drug-induced apoptosis and induction of drug-detoxifying mechanisms probably play an important role in acquired anticancer drug resistance. Studies on mechanisms of cancer drug resistance have yielded important information on how to circumvent this resistance to improve cancer chemotherapy and have implications for pharmacokinetics of many commonly used drugs.

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Book SynopsisInflammation is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. Inflammation is not a synonym for infection. Even in cases where inflammation is caused by infection it is incorrect to use the terms as synonyms: infection is caused by an exogenous pathogen, while inflammation is the response of the organism to the pathogen. In the absence of inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal and progressive destruction of the tissue would compromise the survival of the organism. However, inflammation which runs unchecked can also lead to a host of diseases, such as hay fever, atheriosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is for this reason that inflammation is normally tightly regulated by the body. Inflammation can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is the initial response of the body to harmful stimuli and is achieved by the increased movement of plasma and leukocytes from the blood into the injured tissues. A cascade of biochemical events propagates and matures the inflammatory response, involving the local vascular system, the immune system, and various cells within the injured tissue. Prolonged inflammation, known as chronic inflammation, leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells which are present at the site of inflammation and is characterised by simultaneous destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process. This new book presents leading-edge research from around the world.

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Book SynopsisLupus is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body''s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex system within the body that is designed to fight infectious agents, for example, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. One of the mechanisms that the immune system uses to fight infections is the production of antibodies. Patients with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents. Because the antibodies and accompanying cells of inflammation can involve tissues anywhere in the body, lupus has the potential to affect a variety of areas of the body. Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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Book SynopsisThis new book is devoted to leading-edge research developments in lupus which is a condition of chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body''s tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex system within the body that is designed to fight infectious agents, for example, bacteria, and other foreign invaders. One of the mechanisms that the immune system uses to fight infections is the production of antibodies. Patients with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents. Because the antibodies and accompanying cells of inflammation can involve tissues anywhere in the body, lupus has the potential to affect a variety of areas of the body. Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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Book SynopsisA circadian rhythm is a roughly-24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria. The term ''circadian'', comes from the Latin circa, ''around'', and dies, ''day'', meaning literally ''about a day''. The formal study of biological temporal rhythms such as daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual rhythms, is called chronobiology. In a strict sense, circadian rhythms are endogenously generated, although they can be modulated by external cues such as sunlight and temperature. Most of a person''s body systems demonstrate circadian variations. The body systems with the most prominent circadian variations are the sleep-wake cycle, the temperature regulation system, and the endocrine system. The malfunctioning of a person''s circadian system, or biological clock, causes circadian rhythm disorders. Circadian rhythms and their relation to health outcomes in the globalised hyper world of the 21st century are now understood to be extremely important.

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Book SynopsisA circadian rhythm is a roughly-24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria. The term ''circadian'', comes from the Latin circa, ''around'', and dies, ''day'', meaning literally ''about a day''. The formal study of biological temporal rhythms such as daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual rhythms, is called chronobiology. In a strict sense, circadian rhythms are endogenously generated, although they can be modulated by external cues such as sunlight and temperature. Most of a person''s body systems demonstrate circadian variations. The body systems with the most prominent circadian variations are the sleep-wake cycle, the temperature regulation system, and the endocrine system. The malfunctioning of a person''s circadian system, or biological clock, causes circadian rhythm disorders. Circadian rhythms and their relation to health outcomes in the globalised hyper world of the 21st century are now understood to be extremely important.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the latest research on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which is a branch of the autonomic nervous system. It is always active at a basal level (called sympathetic tone) and becomes more active during times of stress. Its actions during the stress response comprise the fight-or-flight response. Like other parts of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system operates through a series of interconnected neurons. Sympathetic neurons are frequently considered part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), although there are many that lie within the central nervous system (CNS). Sympathetic neurons of the spinal cord (which is part of the CNS) communicate with peripheral sympathetic neurons via a series of sympathetic ganglia. Within the ganglia, spinal cord sympathetic neurons join peripheral sympathetic neurons through chemical synapses. Spinal cord sympathetic neurons are therefore called presynaptic (or preganglionic) neurons, while peripheral sympathetic neurons are called postsynaptic (or postganglionic) neurons. At synapses within the sympathetic ganglia, preganglionic sympathetic neurons release acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that binds and activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on postganglionic neurons. In response to this stimulus, postganglionic neurons principally release noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Prolonged activation can elicit the release of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla. Once released, noradrenaline and adrenaline bind adrenergic receptors on peripheral tissues. Binding to adrenergic receptors causes the effects seen during the fight-or-flight response. These include pupil dilation, increased sweating, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

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Book SynopsisMigraine is a painful neurological condition, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterised by severe pain on one or both sides of the head. Absent serious head injuries, stroke, and tumours, the recurring severity of the pain indicates a vascular headache rather than a tension headache. Migraines are often accompanied by photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), phonophobia (hypersensitivity to sound) and nausea. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. Some individuals can predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by an ''aura'', visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. People with migraine tend to have recurring attacks triggered by a lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, or hormonal irregularities (only in women). Anxiety, stress, or relaxation after stress can also be triggers. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to

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Book SynopsisAlzheimer''s disease (AD), the most common form of neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly, is characterised pathologically by extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, pathophysiologically by synaptic dysfunction, and clinically by a progressive decline in cognition. Currently, AD has no cure and its prevalence is predicted to triple by 2050 with the rapid increase in the ageing population, unless more effective treatments are developed. Since the publication of the second book volume, the rapid progress in the research fields of AD and dementia continues through the intensive efforts of research scientists worldwide. This third book volume contains 15 chapters, bringing together a presentation of research frontiers in current AD/dementia research. The topics include molecular genetics of AD, gene expression abnormalities in AD progression, presenilins, taupathy in AD, single -induced(neuron gene expression abnormalities in AD, intracellular A neurodegeneration, roles of lipoprotein receptors in AD onset and progression, cholesterol and tau hyperphosphorylation, AD diagnostics and therapeutic strategies, in vivo visualisation of amyloid-like structures, cathepsin B, antiamyloidogenesis and neuroprotection, environmental enrichment, Fragile X mental retardation gene and dementia, category learning in Parkinson''s disease, cerebrovascular disease and dementia, and dementia and hypertension. These chapters cover current advances in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD and dementia, in the diagnosis of early AD and dementia, and in the development of therapeutic agents that target memory-relevant AD pathogenesis. The book will be highly valuable to students and scientists worldwide who are interested in the scientific research progress in AD and dementia.

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Book SynopsisGenes, which are carried on chromosomes, are the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes get a lot of attention, it''s the proteins that perform most life functions and even make up the majority of cellular structures. When genes are altered so that the encoded proteins are unable to carry out their normal functions, genetic disorders can result. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material into a person''s cells to fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials for many different types of cancer and for numerous other diseases. This book offers important research from around the globe dedicated to this dynamic subject.

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Book SynopsisGenes, which are carried on chromosomes, are the basic physical and functional units of heredity. Genes are specific sequences of bases that encode instructions on how to make proteins. Although genes get a lot of attention, it''s the proteins that perform most life functions and even make up the majority of cellular structures. When genes are altered so that the encoded proteins are unable to carry out their normal functions, genetic disorders can result. Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves introducing genetic material into a person''s cells to fight disease. Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials for many different types of cancer and for numerous other diseases. The volume presents significant new research results in this promising field.

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Book SynopsisCancer is a group of different diseases (more than 100) characterised by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Cancer can arise in many sites and behave differently depending on its organ of origin. If a cancer spreads (metastases), the new tumour bears the same name as the original (primary) tumour. Significant progress has been made in recent years in the battle against cancer and in understanding its underlying biological mechanisms. This research progress has resulted in many experimental treatments and cures which establish hope for wide-spread cures. This book presents new research of importance to the field.

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Book SynopsisWarfarin (also known under the brand names of Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, and Waran) is an anticoagulant medication that is administered orally or, very rarely, by injection. It is used for the prophylaxis of thrombosis and embolism in many disorders. Its activity has to be monitored by frequent blood testing for the international normalised ratio (INR). It is named for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. Warfarin is a synthetic derivative of coumarin, a chemical found naturally in many plants, notably woodruff (Galium odoratum, Rubiaceae), and at lower levels in liquorice, lavender and various other species. Warfarin was originally developed as a rat poison; however, more modern poisons are much more potent and toxic (e.g., brodifacoum). Warfarin and contemporary rodenticides belong to the same class of drugs (coumarins) and both decrease blood coagulation by interfering with vitamin K metabolism. For this reason, drugs in this class are also referred to as vitamin K antagonists.

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Book SynopsisAmong the many applications of stem cell research are nervous system diseases, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases as well as Parkinson''s disease, end-stage kidney disease, liver failure, cancer, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson''s disease, and Alzheimer''s disease. Stem cells are self-renewing, unspecialised cells that can give rise to multiple types all of specialised cells of the body. Stem cell research also involves complex ethical and legal considerations since they involve adult, foetal tissue and embryonic sources. This new book presents the latest research from around the globe.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the "Bird Flu: the new emerging infectious disease", a new health problem, and the aspects relating to the use of tropical medicine. It specifically covers the clinical aspects, scientific laboratory, public health, as well as the social sciences relating to this new important infectious disease. Mainly, the book presents summative data from the molecular to the population scales, as well as additional metanalysis for important topics. In addition, the diagnostic guideline and clinical practice guidelines of the mentioned conditions are detailed. There is still limited knowledge on this topic while the wider distribution of the disorder due to the globalisation can be expected.

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Book SynopsisStem cells are the foundation cells for every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They are like a blank microchip that can ultimately be programmed to perform any number of specialised tasks. Stem cells are undifferentiated, "blank" cells that do not yet have a specific function. Under proper conditions, stem cells begin to develop into specialised tissues and organs. Additionally, stem cells are self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time. These unique characteristics make stem cells very promising for supplying cells to treat debilitating diseases like Alzheimer''s disease, cancer, Parkinson''s disease, type-1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This book gathers important leading-edge research in the field.

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Book SynopsisTissue engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering and materials methods, and suitable biochemical and physio-chemical factors to improve or replace biological functions. While most definitions of tissue engineering cover a broad range of applications, in practice the term is closely associated with applications that repair or replace portions of or whole tissues (i.e., bone, cartilage, blood vessels, bladder, etc.). Often, the tissues involved require certain mechanical and structural properties for proper function. The term has also been applied to efforts to perform specific biochemical functions using cells within an artificially-created support system (e.g. an artificial pancreas, or a bioartificial liver). The term regenerative medicine is often used synonymously with tissue engineering, although those involved in regenerative medicine place more emphasis on the use of stem cells to produce tissues.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents recent and important findings on stem cell research which is finding many applications including nervous system diseases, diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune diseases as well as Parkinson''s disease, end-stage kidney disease, liver failure, cancer, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer''s disease. Stem cells are self-renewing, unspecialised cells that can give rise to multiple types all of specialised cells of the body. Stem cell research also involves complex ethical and legal considerations since they involve adult, foetal tissue and embryonic sources.

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Book SynopsisTissue engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering and materials methods, and suitable biochemical and physio-chemical factors to improve or replace biological functions. While most definitions of tissue engineering cover a broad range of applications, in practice the term is closely associated with applications that repair or replace portions of or whole tissues (i.e., bone, cartilage, blood vessels, bladder, etc.). Often, the tissues involved require certain mechanical and structural properties for proper function. The term has also been applied to efforts to perform specific biochemical functions using cells within an artificially-created support system (e.g. an artificial pancreas, or a bioartificial liver). The term regenerative medicine is often used synonymously with tissue engineering, although those involved in regenerative medicine place more emphasis on the use of stem cells to produce tissues. This book presents recent and important research in the field.

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