The book addresses the development of muscle atrophy, which can be caused by denervation, disuse, excessive fasting, aging, and a variety of diseases including heart failure, chronic kidney diseases and cancers. Muscle atrophy reduces quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality worldwide. The book is divided into five parts, the first of which describes the general aspects of muscle atrophy including its characteristics, related economic and health burdens, and the current clinical therapy. Secondly, basic aspects of muscle atrophy including the composition, structure and function of skeletal muscle, muscle changes in response to atrophy, and experimental models are summarized. Thirdly, the book reviews the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy, including protein degradation and synthesis pathways, noncoding RNAs, inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, mitochondria signaling, etc. Fourthly, it highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle atrophy in aging and disease. The book’s fifth and final part covers the diagnosis, treatment strategies, promising agents and future prospects of muscle atrophy. The book will appeal to a broad readership including scientists, undergraduate and graduate students in medicine and cell biology.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Disease Mechanisms and Therapy provides the latest information on a condition that is characterized by motoneuron loss and muscle atrophy, and is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. Since the identification of the gene responsible for SMA in 1995, there have been important advances in the basic understanding of disease mechanisms, and in therapeutic development. This book provides a comprehensive accounting of recent advances in basic and clinical research that covers SMA clinical features and standards of care, multifaceted aspects of SMN protein functions and SMA disease pathology, various animal models, and biomarkers, as well as current therapeutic development. This title is ideal for graduate students/postdocs and principal investigators who are already in the SMA field and need to keep updated on recent findings and approaches, and for those who are new to, or would like to join, the field. Likewise, users will find an excellent source of reading for biotech/pharma scientists, clinical researchers, and practitioners, regulators, and patients and their advocacy organizations. Furthermore, this book is a handy reference for researchers and clinicians who may want to apply the research strategies and therapeutic approaches in SMA to other rare diseases. - Provides comprehensive, up-to-date reviews by leading investigators on diverse topics of SMA, including clinical features and patient care, SMN genetics and protein functions, animal models, disease pathology and mechanisms, biomarkers, current therapeutic development, and the role of non-profit organizations in therapeutic development - Written to bridge multiple disciplines and promote better communications among basic scientists, clinical researchers, and health care providers on the latest developments in SMA - Includes outstanding questions and perspectives for future investigations and key references for additional detailed study

Some of the most serious consequences of aging are its effects on skeletal muscle. ‘Sarcopenia’, the progressive age-related loss of muscle mass and associated muscle weakness, renders frail elders susceptible to serious injury from sudden falls and fractures and at risk for losing their functional independence. Not surprisingly, sarcopenia is a significant public health problem throughout the developed world. There is an urgent need to better understand the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying age-related muscle wasting and to develop therapeutic strategies that can attenuate, prevent, or ultimately reverse sarcopenia. Significant research and development in academic and research institutions and in pharmaceutical companies is being directed to sarcopenia and to related health issues in order to develop and evaluate novel therapeutics. This book provides the latest information on sarcopenia from leading international researchers studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related changes in skeletal muscle and identifies strategies to combat sarcopenia and related muscle wasting conditions and neuromuscular disorders. The book provides a vital resource for researchers and practitioners alike, with information relevant to gerontologists, geriatricians, sports medicine physicians, physiologists, neuroscientists, cell biologists, endocrinologists, physical therapists, allied health and musculoskeletal practitioners, strength and conditioning specialists, athletic trainers, and students of the medical and biomedical sciences.

Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance: Muscle Building, Endurance and Strength, Second Edition, includes comprehensive sections on the role of nutrition in human health, various types of physical exercises, including cardiovascular training, resistance training, aerobic and anaerobic exercises, bioenergetics and energy balance, and the nutritional requirements associated with each. Other sections cover sports and nutritional requirements, the molecular mechanisms involved in muscle building, an exhaustive review of various foods, minerals, supplements, phytochemicals, amino acids, transition metals, competition training, healthy cooking, physical training, and lifestyle and dietary recommendations for sports performance. This updated edition includes new chapters on mood, alertness, calmness and psychomotor performance in sports, extreme sports, natural myostatin inhibitor and lean body mass, the benefits of caffeine in sport nutrition formulations, the role of vitamin D in athletic performance, probiotics and muscle mass. - Provides a comprehensive appraisal of the nutritional benefits of exercise in human health - Compiles chapters reviewing the nutritional prophylaxis in human health - Addresses performance enhancement drugs and sports supplements - Presents various types of physical exercises and addresses exercise and nutritional requirements in special populations - Discusses sports nutrition and the molecular mechanisms involved in muscle building - Contains an exhaustive review of various food, minerals, supplements, phytochemicals, amino acids, transition metals, small molecules and other ergogenic agents - Highlights the aspects of healthy cooking, physical training, lifestyle and dietary recommendations for sports performance

Honorable Mention, 2015 PROSE Award in Clinical Medicine Practice With a ìhow-toî approach, the author meticulously describes the clinical evaluation of the peripheral nerves throughout the body using high-frequency ultrasound. Evaluations include both normal and pathologic findings, as well as discussions of relevant non-neurologic tissue. The book opens with an introduction to ultrasound physics, instrumentation, and image optimization. The remainder of the text is a highly visual tour through the multiple nerves of the shoulder, neck, and upper and lower limbs, focusing on sonographic technique and correct interpretation of findings. Clinical cases that integrate anatomic localization with clinical and electrodiagnostic assessment are incorporated throughout. Also includes a bound-in DVD with live motion video loops of the examinations to correspond with stills in the book to demonstrate the important dynamic information ultrasound provides. Ultrasound Evaluation of Focal Neuropathies features: Comprehensive yet practical text and atlas with detailed discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of clinical and electrodiagnostic assessments Thorough guide to ultrasound techniques and appearance of normal and abnormal peripheral nerves Clinical cases that pair the imaging information with clinical and electrodiagnostic findings are interwoven throughout with analysis of anatomy relevant to the peripheral nerves being studied Hundreds of high-quality images and line drawings to correlate anatomy and reflect probe placement Companion DVD with motion loops is provided to facilitate understanding of the dynamic image

A compilation of innovative findings and new directions in neurological recovery After decades of focusing on how to alleviate and prevent recurrence of acute CNS injuries, the emphasis has finally shifted towards repairing such devastating events and rehabilitation. This development has been made possible by substantial progress in understanding the scientific underpinnings of recovery as well as by novel diagnostic tools, and most importantly, by emerging therapies awaiting clinical trials. In this publication, several international experts introduce novel areas of neurological reorganization and repair following CNS damage. Principles and methods to monitor and augment neuroplasticity are explored in depth and supplemented by a critical appraisal of neurological repair mechanisms and possibilities to curtail disability using computer or robotic interfaces. Rather than providing a textbook approach of CNS restoration, the editors selected topics where progress is most imminent in this labyrinthine domain of medicine. Moreover, the varied background and origins of the contributors lend this book a truly global perspective on the current state of affairs in neurological recovery.

Acquire a better understanding of disease evolution and treatment response with Neuroradiology Spectrum and Evolution of Disease. The unique format includes carefully chosen clinical images that depict the pathologic evolution of disease from initial presentation across the continuum of progression. Colorful graphics plot characteristic changes, helping you visualize how normal and abnormal variations alter over time. Extensive illustrations and concise descriptions distill complex concepts, making this first-of-its-kind resource an excellent tool for imaging interpretation and clinical problem solving. - Presents neurologic disease from a novel imaging perspective, emphasizing evolutionary development and pointing out patterns to recognize. - Provides a state-of-the-art understanding of image interpretation based on early, middle, and late imaging characteristics; typical and atypical variants; and pre-treatment, post-treatment, progression, and regression characteristics. - Guides you through the progression of disease with chronological indicators, additional clinical images and descriptions, and annotations that highlight atypical findings – for an easy-to-digest, visually memorable presentation. - Helps you correctly interpret specific imaging characteristics you have never seen, even when the disease process is one you are familiar with.

Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or motor neurone disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that can cause profound suffering for both the patient and their family. Whilst new treatments for ALS are being developed, these are not curative and offer only the potential to slow its progression. Palliative care must therefore be integral to the clinical approach to the disease. Palliative Care in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: From diagnosis to bereavement reflects the wide scope of this care; it must cover not just the terminal phase, but support the patient and their family from the onset of the disease. Both the multidisciplinary palliative care team and the neurology team are essential in providing a high standard of care and allowing quality of life (both patient and carer) to be maintained. Clear guidelines are provided to address care throughout the disease process. Control of symptoms is covered alongside the psychosocial care of patients and their families. Case studies are used to emphasise the complexity of the care needs and involvement of the patient and family, culminating in discussion of bereavement. Different models of care are explored, and this new edition utilizes the increase in both the evidence-base and available literature on the subject. New topics discussed include complementary therapies, personal and family experiences of ALS, new genetics research, and updated guidelines for patient care, to ensure this new edition remains the essential guide to palliative care in ALS.

New edition, completely rewritten, with new chapters on endovascular surgery and mitochrondrial and ion channel disorders.