Every year workers' low-back, hand, and arm problems lead to time away from jobs and reduce the nation's economic productivity. The connection of these problems to workplace activities-from carrying boxes to lifting patients to pounding computer keyboards-is the subject of major disagreements among workers, employers, advocacy groups, and researchers. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace examines the scientific basis for connecting musculoskeletal disorders with the workplace, considering people, job tasks, and work environments. A multidisciplinary panel draws conclusions about the likelihood of causal links and the effectiveness of various intervention strategies. The panel also offers recommendations for what actions can be considered on the basis of current information and for closing information gaps. This book presents the latest information on the prevalence, incidence, and costs of musculoskeletal disorders and identifies factors that influence injury reporting. It reviews the broad scope of evidence: epidemiological studies of physical and psychosocial variables, basic biology, biomechanics, and physical and behavioral responses to stress. Given the magnitude of the problem-approximately 1 million people miss some work each year-and the current trends in workplace practices, this volume will be a must for advocates for workplace health, policy makers, employers, employees, medical professionals, engineers, lawyers, and labor officials.

Tendon Regeneration: Understanding Tissue Physiology and Development to Engineer Functional Substitutes is the first book to highlight the multi-disciplinary nature of this specialized field and the importance of collaboration between medical and engineering laboratories in the development of tissue-oriented products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) strategies. Beginning with a foundation in developmental biology, the book explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, providing guidance on biological approaches that enhances tendon regeneration practices. Contributions from scientists, clinicians, and engineers who are the leading figures in their respective fields present recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field. - Provides an overview of tendon biology, disease, and tissue engineering approaches - Presents modern, alternative approaches to developing functional tissue solutions discussed - Includes valuable information for those interested in tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, tissue physiology, and regenerative medicine - Explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, building a natural progression that enhances tendon regeneration practices - Covers recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field

This reference work presents the origins of cells for tissue engineering and regeneration, including primary cells, tissue-specific stem cells, pluripotent stem cells and trans-differentiated or reprogrammed cells. There is particular emphasis on current understanding of tissue regeneration based on embryology and evolution studies, including mechanisms of amphibian regeneration. The book covers the use of autologous versus allogeneic cell sources, as well as various procedures used for cell isolation and cell pre-conditioning , such as cell sorting, biochemical and biophysical pre-conditioning, transfection and aggregation. It also presents cell modulation using growth factors, molecular factors, epigenetic approaches, changes in biophysical environment, cellular co-culture and other elements of the cellular microenvironment. The pathways of cell delivery are discussed with respect to specific clinical situations, including delivery of ex vivo manipulated cells via local and systemic routes, as well as activation and migration of endogenous reservoirs of reparative cells. The volume concludes with an in-depth discussion of the tracking of cells in vivo and their various regenerative activities inside the body, including differentiation, new tissue formation and actions on other cells by direct cell-to-cell communication and by secretion of biomolecules.

Biomechanics of Tendons and Ligaments: Tissue Reconstruction looks at the structure and function of tendons and ligaments. Biological and synthetic biomaterials for their reconstruction and regeneration are reviewed, and their biomechanical performance is discussed. Regeneration tendons and ligaments are soft connective tissues which are essential for the biomechanical function of the skeletal system. These tissues are often prone to injuries which can range from repetition and overuse, to tears and ruptures. Understanding the biomechanical properties of ligaments and tendons is essential for their repair and regeneration. - Contains systematic coverage on how both healthy and injured tendons and ligaments work - Includes coverage of repair and regeneration strategies for tendons and ligaments - Presents an Interdisciplinary analysis on the topic

Tendon problems are a common cause of foot and ankle pathology. In the past decade there has been significant advances in the management of these problems. This has been achieved not only by an improvement of surgical techniques but also through a better understanding of tendon injury and healing. In this issue we will review the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of common tendon problems beginning with a review of tendon healing. This issue will provide the reader with an excellent review of all that is new on this topic.

The WHO World report on ageing and health is not for the book shelf it is a living breathing testament to all older people who have fought for their voice to be heard at all levels of government across disciplines and sectors. - Mr Bjarne Hastrup President International Federation on Ageing and CEO DaneAge This report outlines a framework for action to foster Healthy Ageing built around the new concept of functional ability. This will require a transformation of health systems away from disease based curative models and towards the provision of older-person-centred and integrated care. It will require the development sometimes from nothing of comprehensive systems of long term care. It will require a coordinated response from many other sectors and multiple levels of government. And it will need to draw on better ways of measuring and monitoring the health and functioning of older populations. These actions are likely to be a sound investment in society's future. A future that gives older people the freedom to live lives that previous generations might never have imagined. The World report on ageing and health responds to these challenges by recommending equally profound changes in the way health policies for ageing populations are formulated and services are provided. As the foundation for its recommendations the report looks at what the latest evidence has to say about the ageing process noting that many common perceptions and assumptions about older people are based on outdated stereotypes. The report's recommendations are anchored in the evidence comprehensive and forward-looking yet eminently practical. Throughout examples of experiences from different countries are used to illustrate how specific problems can be addressed through innovation solutions. Topics explored range from strategies to deliver comprehensive and person-centred services to older populations to policies that enable older people to live in comfort and safety to ways to correct the problems and injustices inherent in current systems for long-term care.

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

This book explores in a comprehensive manner the causes and symptoms of muscle and tendon pathologies, the available diagnostic procedures, and current treatment approaches. Specific aspects of the anatomy, biomechanics, and function of muscles and tendons are analyzed, and detailed guidance is provided on the most innovative methods – both conservative and surgical – for ensuring that the athlete can make a safe and quick return to sporting activity. Optimal care of tendon and muscle injuries in sportspeople requires effective cooperation of sports scientists and medical practitioners to identify the best ways of preserving muscle and tendon structures and to develop new strategies for their rehabilitation and regeneration. Muscle and Tendon Injuries is an excellent multidisciplinary reference written by the leading experts in the field and published in collaboration with ISAKOS. It will appeal to all specialists in sports medicine and sports traumatology who are seeking a state of the art update on the management of muscle and tendon disorders.