Neurosciences Books

Book SynopsisWhat is the influence of psychotherapy over the brain functioning? Is it possible for us to determine in which type of psychotherapy the most significant changes in the brain functioning are observed? If the influence of psychotherapy over the brain is a fact, does this fundamentally change the training in psychology, psychiatry and psychotherapy and the inclusion of knowledge from the basic sciences? Psychotherapy can be considered as a type of training that stimulates the patient to learn how to change their behaviour, thinking and regulation of emotions. Psychotherapy is much more than an opportunity to talk to someone with good listening skills. Understanding the relationship between psychotherapy and brain functions is stimulating news and changes the traditional thinking about the place of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, the relations between them in the process of overcoming mental problems and diseases. Psychotherapy is assumed to be a form of learning which suggests that the uptake of information in the process of psychotherapy leads to a change in the expression of genes, thus changing the strength of synaptic connections. The gene sequence does not change under the influence of the environment, but the ability of genes to direct the synthesis of individual proteins depends on environmental factors and is regulated by their influence (Candel,1998). This explains the phenotypic differences between monozygotic twins and discordance of diseases, such as schizophrenia. Any mental condition is a brain state and any mental disorder is a disorder in the work of the brain. The effect of treatment of mental disorders is associated with an effect on structural and functional changes in the brain (Candel,1998). Neuroimaging gives an objective diagnostics of mental disorders, revealing the reasons for their occurrence and therefore allows for the development of more effective methods of treatment and psychotherapy.Table of ContentsPreface; Psychotherapy: Past and Present; Mentalization; Reflective Functioning and the Development of the Self; Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT); Major Changes Occurring in Adolescence; Psychoanalytic Theories; The Role of Parents and Peers in Identity Formation; Cognitive and Emotional Development and the Adolescent Brain; Are Adolescents More at Risk of Developing Mental Health Problems?; Importance and Development of Mentalization Based Treatment for Adolescents (MBT-A); Special Considerations in MBT-A; MBT-A as a Brain-Based Treatment; Contemporary Achievements of Neuroscience; Neuronal Bases of Mental Disorders and Specific Psychotherapeutic Conclusions; Brain-Based Treatment: A New Approach or a Well-Forgotten Old One?; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisPhysiotherapy and rehabilitation applications in neurological diseases are important for the treatment of the disease. The basic principle of physiotherapy and rehabilitation is to determine the needs of the patient. As such, the authors discuss the evaluation of the motor functions of neurological diseases for upper and lower extremities separately, as well as sensorial functions and cognitive functions. Next, a literature review draws attention to studies in which sex was a controlled variable, and presents data regarding sexual dimorphism in a range of aspects developed after brain injury. It is possible to document the accomplishments of different cell death mechanisms and varying degrees of inflammatory response depending on the sex, as well as the distinct susceptibilities of the sexes in terms of mechanisms of cell damage. Additionally, summary of techniques and indications related to cerebrovascular bypass surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage cases is provided, maintaining that cerebral revascularization procedures should be further developed by neurosurgeons as they remain the only option of treatment for a significant number of patients. The authors review their extensive experience with indocyanine green video-angiography and FLOW 800 analysis software during the surgical removal of central nervous system tumors; in particular, they identified 5 possible applications of indocyanine green video-angiography and FLOW 800 in this field. Data is presented showing the reciprocity between the brain angiotensin II system and amphetamine exposure in the development and expression of behavioral, neurochemical and glial alterations. Particularly, this collection explores how the neuroadaptative responses and neuroinflammation evoked by the psychostimulant and depending on AT1 receptors that might resemble some features linked to different brain disorders. Lastly, a brief overview of the investigational history in research work on receptor/G-protein coupling is presented. Subsequently, the most recent experimental results in the re-establishment of [35S]GTPyS binding/immunoprecipitation assay are described.Table of ContentsPrefacePhysiotherapy Evaluation in Neurological PatientsNeonatal Brain Injury: Hypoxic-Ischemic Risk Factors from Sex PerspectiveCerebrovascular Bypass Surgery in the Treatment of Brain AneurysmsIndocyanine Green Video-Angiography with Flow 800 Analysis: Applications in Neuro-Oncological SurgeryHow Deep Amphetamine Impacts Our Brain and Why to Focus on Angiotensin IIReceptor-Mediated Activation of a Certain Type of Gαin Brain Membranes: Re-Establishment of [35S]GTPγS Binding/Immunoprecipitation AssayIndex.

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Book SynopsisThe earliest human known to have the capability of walking erect on two legs is Sahelanphropus, who lived 6 million years ago. The ability to stand erect led to required extensive changes in the human skeleton, including significant changes in the cervical spine. In modern humans, the cervical spine holds the head upright and gives it great mobility. The combination of great mobility in this spinal segment combined with the requirement that it carry significant weight makes the cervical spine susceptible to a wide variety of pathologies. The cervical spine not only supports the head upright, but acts as a channel for the full set of neural elements connecting the brain with all near and distant parts of the body; thus, pathologies involving the spinal column in this segment directly affect the cervical spinal cord and exiting nerve roots. Today, excellence in spine surgery requires a thorough understanding of spinal anatomy, relevant neurology, and biomechanics, as well as skilled use of a variety of surgical techniques. The surgeon must master the ability to effectively select from a wide and constantly changing variety of alternative instrumentations and surgical approaches. In addition, the trend towards reducing the invasiveness of surgical procedures has led to the use of smaller and smaller tools and smaller surgical incisions with more limited views of the relevant anatomy. As a result of the rapid pace of change, the choice of an optimal technique in any given situation is increasingly complex. In this book, we begin with a basic review of anatomy, neurology, neurophysiology, and biomechanics. We also discuss clinical and radiological assessment required for a differential diagnosis, and present a thorough discussion of the importance of sagittal alignment of the spine and the utility of gait analysis. We proceed with a thorough discussion of nontraumatic pathologies causing cervical myelopathy, beginning with the craniocervical junction down through the subaxial spine, in pediatric and adult populations. This discussion includes steps in the differential diagnosis for specific pathologies, surgical techniques and nuances, radiation-based treatment alternatives, and special topics ranging from the use of stem cells to robotics and endoscopic surgery. We have attempted to provide both fundamental and state-of-the-art knowledge and to share the rich experience of some of the leading spine surgeons worldwide, with the aim of enabling surgeons at all levels to advance their own capabilities for performing safe and successful procedures in this area of complex anatomy.Table of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Descriptive Anatomy and Embryology of the Cervical Spine; Biomechanics of the Cervical Spine; Differential Diagnosis of the Cervical Spine: Clinical Evaluation; Electrophysiological Assessment in Cervical Spine Disorders; Radiological Evaluation of the Non-Traumatic Cervical Spine; Sagittal Alignment of the Cervical Spine; Utility of Gait Analysis in Patients with Cervical Myelopathy; Timing of the Diagnosis in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy; Indications and Timing of Surgery in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy; Stem Cell Therapy in the Management of Cervical Degenerative Disease; C1-2 Instability and Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy; Cervical Decompression and Fusion through an Anterior Approach; Posterior Cervical Decompression with Cervical Laminoplasty; Posterior Approaches to the Cervical Spine Cervical Decompression and Fusion through an Anterior Approach; Tumors of the Craniocervical Junction; Surgical Approaches to the Craniocervical Junction for Neoplastic Lesions; Surgical Approaches in Metastatic Disease Involving the Craniocervical Junction; Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors; Intradural Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors; En Bloc Resection of Primary Bone Tumors of the Cervical Spine: Surgical Considerations and Avoiding Complications; Surgical Management of Spinal Metastases Involving the Cervical Spine; Advanced Radiotherapy for the Primary Tumors in Cervical Spine; Advanced Radiotherapy for Metastatic Disease of the Cervical Spine; Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Management of Intradural Neoplasms of the Cervical Spine; Cervical Kyphosis and Scoliosis; Vertebral Osteomyelitis, Discitis, and Epidural Abscess of the Cervical Spine in Intravenous Drug Users; Cervical Myelopathy of Vascular Origin; Cervical Myelopathy in Pediatric Patients; The Cervical Spine in Achondroplasia; Tuberculosis of the Cervical Spine; The Role of Sagittal Alignment in Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy; Fusion Techniques for C1C2 Instability; Transoral Approach for the Lesions of the Dens; Endoscopic Endonasal Approach to the Craniocervical Junction; Full-Endoscopic Surgical Strategies with Anterior and Posterior Approaches; Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: The Controversy between Use of an Interbody Graft with Anterior Plating versus a Stand-Alone Cage; Cervical Disc Arthroplasty; Robotic and Image-Guided Surgery in the Cervical Spine; Operative Neurophysiology of the Cervical Spine; Surgical Complications with the Anterior Approach; Surgical Complications with the Posterior Approach; The Future of Cervical Myelopathy Management; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book depicts the trials and tribulations when trying to restore speech to Erik who was locked-in (paralyzed and mute) at age 16. We implanted electrodes into his brain, initiating a decade of breakthrough research in speech recovery. It lead to the author's own brain implant and the consequent successful offline development of the speech prosthetic whereby mute, locked-in people can speak. Part 1 is Erik's story of how he became locked-in following a brainstem stroke, and our efforts to break him out of his locked-in state by helping him speak. It describes my decision making, the tremendous contribution of his family, their anguish and the very relevant comparison with famous locked-in people, namely, Stephen Hawking and Jean-Dominique Bauby (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly). Part 2 documents conversations between myself and Erik's Dad, Eddie. Eddie describes how he was trained in a rehabilitation hospital to take care of his son. His 16-year devotion to his son is unparalleled and heroic. This part also contains important contributions from other researchers in the field, in a question and answer format. Part 3 is a condensed version of the scientific aspects of this research written for the non-scientist. Figures and videos on the website augment the text. Importantly, there is a full documentary associated with this book.Trade ReviewThis book has come at an important time in the evolution of the brain machine interface Unlocking Erik tells the story from the human side both in terms of Erik himself as the subject, and Dr. Kennedy as the pioneer. It is a journey of quiet and slow discovery, and has taken courage and risk from all sides. -- Professor Alexander Green, Neurosurgeon, University of Oxford, England.With Dr. Kennedy widely regarded as one of the pioneers of this technology, he is uniquely placed to discuss the far-reaching consequences and ramifications of BCI, and this certainly helped attract the funding we needed to begin production of the documentary that tracks early breakthroughs in the field. -- David Burke,Dot Television, IrelandFinally, with all the excitement of machine learning, we shouldnt forget that we are talking about connecting to a neural network with more capabilities and far more creativity than anything that Google has made the human brain! So lets try to not forget the brains ability to learn. -- Andrew Jackson, Professor of Neural Interfaces, University of Newcastle, U.K."We know that neurons involved in internal "thinking" are also clearly controllable. As explored in Phil Kennedy's study of Erik, the neurons involved in generating speech are a particularly important group of volitionally controllable neurons for speech prostheses." -- Eberhard Fetz"This book tells a remarkable story. There is a group of patients rendered unable to communicate by a brutal medical misfortune. There is a new therapy involving special equipment... and there is the physician who manages their care... Dr. Kennedy has achieved remarkable success with his brain machine interfaces. He remains focused on the tremendous value of restoring speech to patients who are trapped inside their own bodies..." -- Thomas WichmannTable of ContentsPrelude: Pioneers in the Field of Brain to Computer Interfacing; Preface: Decades of Opening the Door to the Mind; Breaking the Sound Barrier; Some Superheroes Only Fly Inside; Coding and Decoding Eriks Inner Dialogue; Believing in the Magic, Counting on the Science; Unexpected Delays and Eureka Moments; The Place Where I Exists; Deep Presence: Understanding the Here and Now; The Uncharted Waters of Research: Here There Be Dragons!; Interviews with Eriks Father and Contributions from Specialists Who Comment on the Field of Locked-In Research and How It Is Evolving; Eriks Injury; Meeting Dr Kennedy; The Implant Surgery; Recording from Erik; Using Single Units to Say Da, Da.; Decoding Phonemes; Moving from Vowel to Vowel; The Effects of Emotion on Firing Rates; Music Relates to Firing Rates; Conditioning Single Units Nine Years after Implantation; Limitations of Eriks Recordings; Phils Implantation Surgery; Sensory and Motor Relationships; Decoding Most Phonemes; Decoding Audible and Silent Speech; The Future Direction: Ready to Implant Locked-In People; Why Not Use Other Electrodes and Systems?; The Future is Almost Here; Afterword: The Father of the Cyborgs; Index.

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Book SynopsisThe book first discusses auditory processing disorders are, specifically how auditory processing problems can affect children with autism spectrum disorders, and appropriate evidence-based treatments. The authors highlight the challenges associated with making a dual diagnosis, and discuss specific anatomical differences in the central auditory pathway and brain. Also highlighted is the need for improved research on intervention programs and the important service needs for families and children with autism spectrum disorders. A study is presented wherein pediatric volition among children with autism spectrum disorders participating in the Holland Bloorview (HB) FIRST® robotics program is measured. A review is carried out in order to describe the main neurotransmitters in autism spectrum condition patients. Among the studied neurotransmitters, increased serotonin and glutamate as well as decreased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid N-Acetylaspartate and oxytocin appear to have the most empirical evidence. The authors assess the relationship between autism spectrum disorder symptomatology, theory of mind, and other individual factor on children's responses through a study attempting to determine the factors that contribute to the complexity of the emotion of embarrassment. The closing study addresses that with respect to dietary issues, awareness of the eating habits and feeding problems experienced by autism spectrum disorder children needs to be emphasized among parents and guardians.Table of ContentsPreface; Auditory Processing Disorders and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Understanding Hearing Loss in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Developmental Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Literature Review; Exploring the Pediatric Volition among Boys with Autism in an Adapted Robotics Program; Altered Neurotransmitter Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Condition; The Experience of Embarrassment in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Diet- Related Issues With Autism Spectrum Disorder; Index.

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Book SynopsisVolume 39 first presents a study wherein the gravitational noise of the brain at different ages within the same family was studied by gravitational mass spectroscopy. The authors explore the resources for community integration for individuals that have acquired a traumatic brain injury, highlighting areas that need further investigation. In a subsequent study, the gravitational mass spectroscopy method was used for the fast diagnosis of human brain states at long-range order. Various routes for ischaemic stroke management are also discussed, including hyper acute management, acute management and long-term management. Continuing, the newer technologies and approaches currently being applied in the field of neurosurgery are reviewed. The authors summarize the reported cases and observational studies regarding nonconvulsive status epilepticus in neurosurgical subspecialties of emergency and perioperative care, cerebrovascular diseases, neurotrauma, brain tumor, and stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. The associations between different brain inflammatory mediators and epileptogenesis are explored in an effort to affirm the idea that targeting the inflammatory pathway may be an effective therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat epilepsy. The major issue in glycemic control in neurocritical care patients is addressed: tight glycemic control using intensive insulin therapy is associated with higher rates of hypoglycemia without an improvement in survival rate. On these bases, adequate nutrition before and during insulin infusion is recommended. This compilation goes on to discuss evoked potentials, electrical responses of the brain to light, sound, or electrical stimuli. Depending on the type of stimulus, they emerge as visual, auditory, or somatosensorial evoked potentials.Table of ContentsPreface; New Fast Non Invasive Diagnostic of Human Brain at Molecular Level: Brain Treatment; Fast Non-Invasive Diagnostic of HSV-1 Attack on the Human Brain at Molecular Domain Level; Traumatic Brain Injury and Resources for Community Integration Post Injury; Management of Acute Ischaemic Stroke; Newer Approaches to Neurosurgery; Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus in Neurosurgery; Epilepsy and Neuroinflammation; Diabetes and Insulin Therapy Involving Products with Potential Use in Possible Neurologic Disease Progression; Visual Evoked Potentials and Our Studies; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn this compilation, the authors review current literature concerning the identification and neuro-imaging of children with cerebral visual impairment, describing their clinical and rehabilitative management while recognizing the role of adaptive neuroplasticity in their visual development. The data published to date on the chemical and functional neuroanatomy of the adult human brainstem obtained through the application of different techniques, from histochemical staining to modern imaging techniques, is compiled. The involvement of acetylcholine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GAP-43, glutamate, hypoxia-induced factor-1 alpha, microtubule-associated protein 2, nestin, neurofilament, noradrenaline, serotonin, somatostatin, substance P and vitamin C in the development of the human brainstem is discussed. The authors also discuss sirtuins, a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent protein deacetylases that play a regulatory role in multiple pathways such as mitochondrial energetics, cell-cycle regulation, oxidative stress resistance, inflammation, and insulin secretion. The subsequent study examines how distractibility during the learning process is related to a history of traumatic brain injury, utilizing a 2x2 between subjects factorial ANOVA. In closing, the gravitational mass spectroscopy method is used to study the process of HSV-I herpes virus attack on the affected area of the human brain in vivo. The mechanism of ring attack by CccDNA plasmid cytolinker MACF1 is proposed.

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Book SynopsisLaboratory animals are fundamental in learning and teaching within the various areas of neuroscience research. This from its proper management, animal welfare, standardization of protocols, use of the best biomodel in exprimentation. There are many different areas of study within neurosciences today. However, any use of any biomodel must be based on the context of the three Rs (Refinement, Reduction and Replacement). The objective of this book is to make known through different chapters the use of different laboratory animals in standardized research lines applied to neurosciences in different contexts and applications in basic research.

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndrome involving various medical figures for whom interactive and multidisciplinary work is essential. This is because sleep apnea is a very wide field that ranges from pediatric apneas, often of organic origin and usually connected to adenotonsillar hypertrophy or craniofacial anomalies, to adult apneas that can have an obstructive origin, especially in the case of overweight and particular conformations of the upper respiratory tract, and/or a central origin due to neurological pathologies. Particular attention has been paid to diagnosis and new technologies that go alongside the classic diagnostic tools, especially in the screening of pathology. The approaches described concern both medical and surgical treatments. Particular attention was paid to the treatment of associated comorbidities and to the physical rehabilitation of apnoic patients. Given the complexity of the pathology and the pictures associated with it, the purpose of this book is to make known the new frontiers both in the diagnostic and therapeutic field that can be used to develop a therapeutic plan tailored to the patient, since not all apnea patients are the same.Table of ContentsPreface; Anatomy of the Upper Airway in Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Pathophysiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); Advances in Adults OSAS Diagnosis; Advances in Paediatric OSAS Diagnosis; Advances in Management of Central Apnea; Advances in Management of Pediatric Sleep Apnea; Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease; Advances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Dysmetabolic Pathology; Advances in Ventilatory Treatment for OSAS; Advances in the Role of Oral Devices in the Treatment of OSAS; Advances in the Role of Nasal Surgery in the Treatment of OSAS; Advances in the Role of Pharyngeal Surgery in the Treatment of OSAS; Transoral Robotic Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome; Advances in the Role of Bariatric Surgery in the Treatment of OSAS; Effect of OSAS on Inner Ear; Advances in Rehabilitation in OSAS; Index.

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Book SynopsisNeurocysticercosis, a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by tapeworm, is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can cause neurologic syndromes such as epileptic seizures. Chapter One of this monograph describes the existing treatment options for neurocysticercosis, along with possible therapeutic alternatives under different drug development phases. Chapter Two explains the difficulties associated with correctly diagnosing neurocysticercosis, resulting from its varied clinical presentation, and mentions current guidelines of diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Chapter Three describes the various merits and demerits of techniques for detecting the parasites associated with neurocysticercosis, which include radioimaging, genotyping of cysts, and antibody, antigen, and nucleic acid detection in body fluids.Table of ContentsPreface; Treatment of Neurocysticercosis: Current and Future Options; The Challenge of Deciphering Certainty from Ambiguity for the Laboratory Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis; Trends in the Diagnosis of Human Neurocysticercosis: Issues and Challenges; Index.

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Book SynopsisJoseph B. Martin traces his climb from a Mennonite farm in the village of Duchess, Alberta to Dean of Harvard Medical School in his memoir, Alfalfa to Ivy. Readers are rewarded with an intimate perspective on academic politics and health care in Canada and the U.S. that Martin is perfectly poised to critique. And it is the human story of Martin''s journey from humble origins to worldly esteem that makes Alfalfa to Ivy a compelling narrative for non-specialists as well as academics and professionals. Foreword by David Hubel. Afterword by Ed Benz.

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Book SynopsisFear is an emotion that is particularly important to human and animal existence. It is a reaction to threatening events and is elicited when self-preservation goals are posed in danger during the pursuit of actions directed at other goals. A common view of fear in the neuroscience literature is that fear triggers the "fight or flight" response, characterised by increased heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension, which allows the individual to escape from danger or defend itself against a predator or non-specific. Based on the presence or absence of a stimulus, the brain regulates the strength and duration of this apparent coping mechanism. When this regulatory system malfunctions, however, it can lead to excessive fearfulness in certain individuals. Excessively fearful individuals appear to have difficulty suppressing the body''s response to stress. This book examines the various aspects of this interesting emotion.

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Book SynopsisEndogenous neuoprotection is a phenomenon where a brief episode of ischemia renders the brain resistant against a subsequent longer-asting ischemia event. Experimentally, the author was able to model hypoxic preconditioning in animal model. Increasing knowledge of this endogenous neuroprotectin by ischemic tolerance may help to minimize neuronal damage following ischemic stroke and hypoxic encephalopathy. This book is, therefore, the first overview of this important topic and will certainly influence further investigations in clinical and neuroscience research.

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Book SynopsisBrain mapping is a set of neuroscience techniques predicated on the mapping of (biological) quantities or properties onto spatial representations of the (human or non-human) brain resulting in maps. All neuroimaging can be considered to be a part of brain mapping. Brain mapping techniques are constantly evolving, and rely on the development and refinement of image acquisition, representation, analysis, visualisation and interpretation techniques. Functional and structural neuroimaging are at the core of the mapping aspect of brain mapping. This book presents the latest research in the field. An algorithm dedicated at discriminating between electrodes that lead to a seizure onset as opposed to those electrodes that do not, are examined in this book by using interictal subdural EEG data. The most effective method for localising the effects of neural activation throughout the human brain is Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). This book provides a new level of specificity in the basis of advanced approaches of using fMRI to study brain function as deep as at the level of the neural processing. Programmed cell death or apoptosis is a relevant process in the physiology and pathology of the nervous system. DNA damage response in postmitotic neurons is discussed and the elucidation of these mechanisms, which promise to provide multiple points of therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases, are examined as well. This book explains the temporal features of brain injury in three different developmental models of oxygen deprivation, capable of inducing apoptotic cell death. The hallmarks of hypoxia-induced apoptosis that may vary according to brain maturity, are also looked at. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of transplants of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) after experimental traumatic brain injury were investigated and are discussed in this book.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents current knowledge regarding relationship between conscious and unconscious processes in the human mind and dissociation between them, in a close relationship with modern neuroscientific research. Following the framework of traditional psychological and psychiatric terms proposed by Janet and developed also by Freud and Jung, the author shows new connections between modern theoretical neuroscience and psychological concept of dissociated mind. As main argument for this synthesis the author uses modern chaos theory that provides conceptual framework for self-organisation that connect mind and brain. In this context the author also deals with the problem of consciousness and other interesting connections and mysteries of the human mind such as dreaming, hypnosis or pain experience.

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Book SynopsisNeuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. The principle mechanism underlying enhanced pain sensitivity is a persistent hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons. This book describes cellular mechanisms for the maintained hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons mediated by neuron-glia interactions following spinal cord injury. In addition, nerve growth factor (NGF) has a key role not only in the development of sensory and autonomic neurons, but also in the processes of nociception. This book examines the recent evidence of the involvement of NGF in painful diseases and suggests the potential usefulness of anti-NGF strategies as novel analgesics for disabling pathological conditions. Furthermore, neuralgia is a symptom of some neurological disorders and can be found at any age. The pain that accompanies it is usually brief but may be severe. The authors present evidence sustaining the hypothesis that neuralgia (understood as being a shooting/shock-like paroxysmal pain) is a clinical expression of a transcriptional channelopathy. Other chapters in this book review the underlying mechanisms and the anatomical loci/shared circuits between epilepsy and memory, along with the relationship of various neurotransmitters involved. The morphological and functional characteristics of hereditary choroidal dystrophies are also examined, as well as the potential implications of neuroplasticity in dorsal vagal complex (DVC) in the adaptation of gastrointestinal functions.

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Book SynopsisNeuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. Survival infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at significant risk for neurodevelopmental impairment, either as a result of in utero physiological effects of abnormal circulation, associated congenital brain anomalies, neurodevelopmental compromise before, during and after surgical repair, or combinations of all these factors. This book examines the neurodevelopmental outcomes for patients with CHD, risk factors for adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae and peri- and intraoperative neuromonitoring and neuroprotective strategies. Furthermore, electroencephalography (EEG) has been utilized for decades in the neonatal intensive care unit to assess brain maturation, detect and localise brain injury, diagnose seizures and give prognostic information. This book reviews specific EEG/aEEG patterns and their value in predicting long term neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants. Also examined are the risks and benefits of physical activity in epileptics, sports in which epileptics may participate and the positive effect of physical exercise in experimental models of epilepsy. Other chapters in this book examine the presence of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, tangle dominant dementia (TDD), a sporadic subtype of late onset progressive dementia, the effects of methylphenidate (MPD) treatment in adolescence on MPD response in adulthood, and a discussion of the "neurodevelopmental abnormality" theory, which proposes that some schizophrenics suffer from subtle neurodevelopmental insults during foetal development.

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Book SynopsisThe purpose of this book is to focus on breakthroughs in translational neuroscience and bio-behavioural research. This book is divided into three separate sections with each reflecting a domain in which advancements have been made. Collectively, these chapters serve to highlight the advancements made in translational neuroscience that have lead to innovative animal modelling, theoretical development and educational curriculum improvement. They should be of interest to persons involved in animal research and concerned about the use of animals in bio-behavioural investigations. This book should serve as the ideal text to promote further progress and development in the neurosciences and animal research.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents original research results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum.

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Book SynopsisVascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer''s disease in older adults. The term refers to a group of syndromes caused by different mechanisms all resulting in vascular lesions in the brain. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are important, as vascular dementia is at least partially preventable. Risk factors for vascular dementia include hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of vascular dementia, including GRK2 over-expression in the context of early Alzheimer disease pathogenesis; vitamin deficiencies and vascular dementia; biofluid markers as potential markers for vascular dementia; and the epidemiology of vascular dementia.

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Book SynopsisThe sciatic nerve is the longest and widest single nerve in the human body. This new book presents current research in the study of the sciatic nerve. Topics discussed include the pathophysiology of sciatic pain induced by lumbar disc herniation; conduction blocks by receptor agonists in the sciatic nerve; pharmacological research of traditional medicines with analgesic effects on sciatic nerve and inflammatory cytokines in repair and regeneration of the sciatic nerve.

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Book SynopsisMovement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, fluency, quality, and ease of movement. This book presents current research in the study of movement disorders, including serotonin dysfunction in Parkinson''s Disease; restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movements of sleep; peripheral and central changes induce movement disorders on the basis of disuse or overuse and traditional mirror therapy in the management of movement and postural control problems.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is on the role of central nervous system grey matter in the immunopathology of multiple sclerosis; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in migraine therapy; cognitive plasticity; interhemispheric pathways in speech processing; grey matter changes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and the effects of chronic psychosocial isolation on limbic brain structures of wistar rats.

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Book SynopsisHolistic consciousness is an all-inclusive awareness of the currently situated body-mind-being of an individual person or a living organism. Holism, a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interactive wholes, as all living organisms, that are more than the mere sum of their parts. It is related to and concerned with wholes or with complete systems, rather than with the analysis and treatment of the parts. It holds, that a system or an organism, is a coherent unified whole, that cannot be fully explained in terms of individual parts or characteristics. The system or an organism may have properties, in addition to those of its parts, as a completely new entity or phenomenon. This book provides an understanding of holistic consciousness with a focus on neuroscience and Vedanta perspectives.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is a focus on the anatomy, functions and injury of the motor cortex; the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases; the occipital cortex and neural transmissions.

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Book SynopsisHuntington''s disease, chorea or disorder (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative genetic disorder, which affects muscle co-ordination and some cognitive functions, typically becoming noticeable in middle age. It is the most common genetic cause of abnormal involuntary writhing movements called chorea and is much more common in people of Western European descent than in those from Asia or Africa. The disease is caused by a dominant mutation on either of the two copies of a gene called Huntington. This book gathers and presents current research in the study of Huntington''s Disease including the outlining effects of mutant htt in the nucleus and cytoplasm and the role of cell-cell interactions in Huntington''s Disease pathology, as well as a review of the role of Huntington (HTT) interacting proteins.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is a focus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), brain research news and protocols; and the developing adolescent brain.

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Book SynopsisAn overwhelming majority of known species of microorganisms form biofilms (ie: spatially and metabolically structured communities embedded in the extracellular biopolymer matrix). Biofilm development is a complex multi-stage process involving reversible and, at a later stage, irreversible attachment of microbial cells to the substrate surface. Development also involves matrix formation, three-dimensional structuring of the whole community including the formation of mushroom- or pillar-shaped structures and, finally, the degradation of the biofilm and the dispersion of the cells involved. This book examines these processes in the example of microorganisms that interact with the animal or human organisms, playing the roles of symbionts or pathogens.

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Book SynopsisNeurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including the death of neurons. Many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson''s, Alzheimer''s, and Huntington''s occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. This book presents current research in the study of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration; preserving motoneuron viability and function during disease or after traumatic injury; research in aspects of excitotoxicity mechanisms; uncoupling proteins as therapeutic targets in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases; the genetics and molecular biology of Alzheimer''s Disease; and retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy.

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Book SynopsisThe human brain and its behaviour present one of the most challenging, but at the same time, one of the most fascinating endeavours among the scientific and philosophical inquiries. Therefore, from a comprehensive perspective, every heuristic approach (epistemological, philosophical and scientific) to the study of the human brain and mind should be understood not as an exclusive paradigm, but rather as a perspective from which these complex and amazing phenomenon are investigated. This book provides essays written by world-wide renowned academics with expertise in their respective fields of knowledge. They are intended both to stimulate the reader''s curiosity and also to provide him a broad sense of the several possible philosophical and scientific approaches to the study of brain, mind and behaviour.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is the regulation of neuronal morphology and plasticity by small GTP-binding proteins and its implication in autism and mental retardation; memory and cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer''s disease with neuroinflammation due to ageing, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea; processing magnitudes within the parietal cortex; cognitive impairment in system lupus erythematosus; and compensatory memory processes in mild cognitive impairment.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents current research in the study of the causes, management and prognosis in brain damage including the implications for therapeutic intervention in the reorganisation of elementary functions (REF) after brain injury; a reorientation towards fibre tracts damage in amnesia; the use of alkaline comet assay to assess DNA damage and repair in brain damage; responsiveness and prognosis in the severe disorder of consciousness; the pathophysiology, management and prognosis of cerebral radiation necrosis; exercise as a therapeutic approach after brain damage; neuroprotection in experimental cerebral ischemia; and initiation of inflammatory mechanisms in acute brain damage.

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Book SynopsisItalian physician L Galvani demonstrated the relationship between electricity and muscle contraction that occurs in the electric fluid carried to the muscles by the nerves. He coined the term animal electricity to describe the muscle-activating force. One hundred and fifty years after he determined that muscle activation is generated by an electric fluid carried by the nerves, mathematician N. Wiener studied an artificial hand controlled by an electrical current produced in the muscles. This book discusses new developments, procedures and applications of electromyography.

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Book SynopsisThe frontal lobes, which constitute about one-third of the entire cerebral cortex, have long fascinated scientific explorers of human behaviour. There are multiple reasons for this: the frontal lobes are the most recently evolved parts of the brain of Homo sapiens and can be viewed as the executive centre of the entire nervous system, subserving the key function of goal-oriented behaviour and reconciling internal emotional states with the demands of the external environment. This book presents some of the latest research on the structure and functional role of the frontal lobes, as revealed by both physiological and pathological studies. This timely and comprehensive volume exemplifies that only a truly multidisciplinary and collaborative effort from the allied disciplines of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuroimaging, neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry will result in a better understanding of the wide-reaching implications of frontal lobe dysfunction.

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Book SynopsisNeuronal migration is the method by which neurons travel from their origin or birth place to their final position in the brain. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the disorders, genetic factors and treatment options of neuronal migration. Topics include neuronal migration disturbance in neurodevelopment disorders; candidate dyslexia susceptibility genes and disorders of neuronal migration; electrically guiding neuronal migration and membrane-cytoskeletal interactions in the regulation of neuronal migration in the adult brain.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is the role of oestrogen on cognitive functions; brain disorders, brain medicines and the blood-brain barrier; brain auditory processing during behaviour seen from unitary activity; neuroinflammatory factors as targets against neurological and psychiatric disorders; the psychoneuroendocrinology of music effects on health; the neuroprotective mechanism of fibronectin and neural models for social development in shared parieto-motor circuits.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of comas and syncope. Topics discussed include the effects of acoustic stimulation on comatose patients; cardiogenic syncope; management of non-traumatic comas in sub-Saharan Africa and the role of neuroimaging and genetics in comatose pediatric patients.

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