The monograph is a summary of methods used to study pain receptors and the results obtained in some experiments designed to study the effect of non-opioid analgesics. The molecular mechanisms of nociceptive information control in primary sensory nociceptive neurons are described based on investigations of the membrane signaling cascade (opioid-like receptor → Na+,K+-ATPase → NaV1.8 channel) observed by the authors. Based on this data, the authors conclude that the modulation of NaV1.8 channels responsible for the coding of noxious signals can be carried out due to two novel targeting mechanisms. The first of these is the activation of opioid-like receptors; the second is the activation of Na+/K+-ATPase as a signal transducer. The development of a novel class of analgesics that trigger these mechanisms should lead to a successful solution to the problem of chronic pain relief. Chapters of the monograph cover the general methods used in studying nociceptive pain (including the patch-clamp method), and the mechanism behind the binding of different ligands to these receptors such gamma-pyrones, gamma-pyridines and cardiotonic steroids. This monograph is a valuable reference for neuroscientists, pharmacologists and allied researchers studying pain receptors for the development of safe and effective analgesics.

Pain is a significant medical problem, as it is a factor in many diseases and debilitating conditions. The processing of pain in the body is a complex process which involves nerve signaling in the milieu of biochemical, molecular and genetic interactions occurring in the brain and other parts of the body. Pain, as a spokesperson of real and impending injury, outlives its usefulness as a warning signal and instead becomes chronic and excruciating. The transition of the realization of pain up to the cortical processing as a persistent condition represents an intricate process governed by the interaction of various factors. Research on humans and animals has led to the advent of personalized medicine where every patient can be treated according to the set of genes they possess. However, the genetic basis for pain has largely been undefined so far. Research on epigenetic alterations and micro-RNA (miRNA) in relation to the assessment and prevention of pain is still in infancy. Pain: Causes, Concerns and Consequences focuses on pain in human diseases such as cardiac and non-cardiac disorders. This compendium on pain research offers basic information and useful updates on the pathology, genetics, and biomolecular pathways that cause pain. Additionally, readers will also learn about non-pharmacological therapies for pain. The monograph is a handy guide for medical students and doctors in different divisions such as oncology, surgery, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, physiotherapy and chiropractic care. The book also serves as a guide for life science researchers who are planning to develop methods to study pain in either a clinical or laboratory setting.

Neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Prion-related disorders (PrD) and Huntington’s disease (HD) share a common neuropathology, primarily featuring the presence of abnormal protein inclusions containing specific misfolded proteins. These groups of diseases are now classified as Protein Misfolding Disorders. This Ebook gives a comprehensive overview of the possible mechanisms involved in Protein Misfolding Disorders and possible therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases. The Ebook provides the most recent evidence addressing the role of cellular stress responses to neurological diseases, along with therapeutic strategies to alleviate ER stress in a disease context.

The incidence of multiple chronic diseases affecting a single individual is common among elderly patients. This incidence is believed to be associated with a decline in many health outcomes, including quality of life, mobility, functional ability, increased frequency of hospitalizations, psychological distress, mortality and the use of health care resources. Health in elderly patients can fluctuate significantly, thus prompting the need for proper integration of comprehensive geriatric care. An increasing amount of data gained from research programs is making it clear that a geriatric assessment identifies many problems in older people with chronic diseases, adds prognostic information, and might improve the outcomes of these patients. This volume reviews research on the value of geriatric programs in different subspecialties of internal medicine. Chapters of this book cover different chronic diseases (coronary artery disease, kidney disease, diabetes, osteoporosis etc.) separately and present new findings in these areas. Readers – both medical students and researchers – will find the book an essential for understanding requirements and nuances of specialized geriatric programs in the healthcare sector.

According to the National Institute of Aging there are more than half a billion people over the age of 65 across the globe. This has led to a need for medical and psychiatric care on a scale unprecedented in history. In light of this increase in the global elderly population, the field of geriatric medicine has expanded and become multidisciplinary to accommodate the need of the elderly in the 21st century. This volume highlights research in geriatric medicine across different disciplines. Chapters of this volume cover public health and economic consequences of aging in USA, cognitive impairment in old age, geriatric ophthalmology, osteoporosis, sleep disorders, speech-language pathology and geriatric care. Readers – both medical students and researchers - will find these topics useful for understanding issues in geriatric medicine and can use this information to improve geriatric programs in the healthcare sector.

Young Perspectives for Old Diseases is a collaborative monograph describing the current understanding of common neurodegenerative diseases. The monograph focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration and the scientific advances that have paved the way for potential therapeutic options for patients. Reviews presented in this book present carefully validated research findings. The book begins with a section devoted to general mechanisms of neuronal death and explains the challenges of translating the scientific discoveries to the clinic. In section two, there are reviews on specific cellular dysfunctions that are common to more than one form of neurodegenerative disease, exploring the universal pathophysiology responsible for degenerating neurones. Findings on common neurodegenerative diseases are also reviewed in further detail followed by information on advances in therapeutic techniques that could be translated to a clinical setting. This book is intended as a primer as well as an update for molecular biologists and medical researchers on the mechanism of neurodegeneration and progress in the treatment of associated diseases.

<p></p> Nanotheranostics is a recent medical field which integrates diagnostic imaging protocols and therapeutic functions to monitor real time drug release in the body and distribution to the target site. The combined processes allow technicians to observe the effectiveness of a specifically designed drug candidate and predict its possible side effects. All these features help clinicians in optimizing treatment options for cancer and other diseases for the individual patient. Current research is tailored to individual therapy because each drug may display a variety of responses depending on variations in an individual’s genetics and subsequently, their clinical biochemistry. Many tumors are still challenging for therapists in terms of available treatment and nanotheranostic strategies may help them to combat cancer more efficiently. <p></p> <p></p> Advances in Cancer Nanotheranostics for Experimental and Personalized Medicine presents information about current theranostic technologies in use at clinics and recent research on nanotheranostic applications, with a focus on cancer treatment. Information is presented in seven organized chapters that cover the basics of cancer nanotheranostics, tumor microenvironmental factors, gene therapy and gene delivery concepts, and the combined application of diagnostic imaging with cancer chemotherapy. A chapter focusing on the role of non-coding MRNAs in breast cancer carcinogenesis is also included, giving readers a glimpse of the complexities in the molecular biology of cancer which drive the need for new theranostic technologies. The book is of interest to medical professionals (including oncologists and specialists in internal medicine), diagnostic imaging technicians, and researchers in the fields of pharmacology, molecular biology and nuclear medicine. <p></p>

A malignant tumor is an actively growing tissue, composed of cells derived from a single cell line that has undergone irreversible differentiation. These cells are invasive and also metastasize in the body, resulting in malignant cancer. Recent research suggests that a malignant tumor originates from cancer stem cells (CSC) accompanied with physiological niches. Cancer Metastasis and Stem Cell/Niche explains the invasiveness and metastasis of cancer cells I the light of information gained from the CSC / niche theory. Five chapters present a review on the fundamental relationships between CSCs, their niche and metastasis, the regulation of cell surface glycan expression in CSCs, tumor endothelial cells and metastasis, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated premetastatic microenvironment, and in surgical cancer metastasis. This monograph is intended as a primary reference on CSC research for physiologists, clinical oncologists, stem cell researchers and molecular biologists.

Cancer is a major cause of deaths all around the globe. Although numerous anticancer drugs are available, most of them are expensive and have serious side effects. Natural compounds are usually non-toxic and inexpensive. Many such compounds have been identified and explored for their health benefits for centuries, and several nutritional factors derived from natural products have attracted considerable attention as therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Based on current available research, this ebook focuses on chemopreventive and anti-cancer activities of different natural/dietary compounds present in fruits, vegetable, spices, legumes, nuts, grains, and cereals. Contributions from authors around the world highlight the potential use of such derivatives against cancer treatment by presenting updated information of their biochemical mechanisms. Information in this book is intended for researchers, clinicians, patients, academicians, industrialists, and students seeking updated and critical information for their experimental plans (including clinical trials). The book also creates awareness among cancer patients, nutritionists and laymen about cost effective therapeutic alternatives available for cancer therapy.

Neuro-oncology is an embryonic field of cancer research with a number of clinical trials in progress. However, the prognosis on neuro-oncologic patients has remained poor. Moreover, several small scale phase I/II trials performed have proved to be inconclusive because of the limited number of patients involved. As a result, many controversies exist in neuro-oncology drug development for which a forum does not exist. This ebook presents a detailed account on the use of avastin in treating cancer patients. A discussion on clinical experiences and the controversial debate among researchers of avastin's role in restricting malignant gliomas is also included giving readers a diverse perspective on the rationale of treating CNS tumors.