Cells are the building blocks of life and some cells (stem cells) have the ability to produce other cells through the processes of cell division and cell differentiation. Stem cell research has now progressed dramatically and there are countless studies published every year in scientific journals. Stem cell technology is being used to create new cell lines with edited genes and to regenerate cell based tissues for biological and medical purposes. This ebook presents a brief snapshot of clinical research in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The concise reference is intended to be an introduction for biology students to current standards and new technologies in these fields.

<i>Vascularization in Tissue Engineering</i> presents a comprehensive picture of blood vessel development and the recent developments on the understanding of the role of angiogenesis in regenerating biological tissues. The first-half of this book, consists of three chapters, emphasizing the fundamental knowledge about cell pathways, growth factors, co-culture strategies, cell interactions, and vascularization in pathological scenarios. The second half takes this knowledge a step further and explains the vascular microenvironment, scaffolds, and related applications in regenerative medicines. This section also provides information about biomaterial scaffolds and stem cell cultures for wound-healing and tissue regeneration. Readers will learn about cutting edge technologies in this field. This volume is a handy reference for students and researchers seeking information about the angiogenic processes and applied biotechnology in tissue engineering.

Diagnosis and Treatment in Rheumatology is a clear and concise handbook of all rheumatic diseases. The book presents organized information about current diagnosis, treatment and statistics (where available) of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spndyloarthropathies, gout, systemic lupus erythromatosis, osteoarthritis, myositis and much more. This reader friendly format and up to date information is easily accessible for rheumatology residents and medical students, making the book an ideal reference for study and practice.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease prevalent among the elderly. Its most prominent feature is the progressive destruction of articular cartilage which results in impaired joint motion, severe pain and ultimately disability. Its prevalence and its impact on daily life pose a significant public health problem. Today, a cure for osteoarthritis remains elusive and the management of the disease is largely palliative, focusing on the alleviation of symptoms. Current recommendations include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The term &ldquo;non-pharmacological&rdquo; includes physical therapy and rehabilitation, but also nutraceuticals. All guidelines on osteoarthritis management highlight the importance of weight loss and physical activity to improve the functional status of patients. A number of alternative therapies are also commonly suggested by physicians and physiotherapists in their daily practice. The efficacy of these therapies is not evidenced by strong clinical trials. This category includes education, information, electrotherapy, ultrasound, electromagnetic field, spa, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc. Non Pharmacological Therapies in the Management of Osteoarthritis reviews the clinical relevance of these therapies and the difficulties in conducting high quality trials assessing their efficacy. This e-book presents supportive scientific evidence for their efficacy and explains the mechanism of action of nutraceuticals targeting osteoarthritis. It also includes many example of exercises, mobilization and manipulation techniques directly useful for medical professionals.

Frontiers in Arthritis is an ebook series devoted to publishing the latest advances in arthritis medicine and research. Each volume brings forth contributions on topics relevant to the diagnosis, management and treatment of arthritis. The ebook series is essential reading for rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons involved in clinical research and practice. This volume presents comprehensive information about the pathology, diagnosis and treatment of haemophilic arthropathy. Readers will find information about knee, hip, elbow, foot and ankle surgery in patients affected by haemophilia as well as special topics (microsurgery and postoperative rehabilitation and health risks). The broad range of information presented in this volume makes it the definitive handbook on arthritis in haemophiliac cases and the management of related complications.

Frontiers in Arthritis is an eBook series devoted to publishing the latest and the most important advances in arthritis research. Each volume brings together contributions from rheumatologists ad orthopedic specialists on the diagnosis, management and treatment of arthritis. The series also puts a focus on strategies for managing pain in patients in both pre and post operative situations. Management of Osteoarthritis - A holistic view provides information about osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. Chapters explain osteoarthritis pathology and therapy (nutritional, exercise and surgical). The volume also covers different therapies such as viscosupplementation, platelet rich plasma injections, biologicals (amniotic membranes) and surgical options aimed at alleviating pain. The book is an ideal quick reference guide for medical students and nursing staff.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A systematic approach to Arthritis of Rheumatic Diseases provides readers with a simple but high quality diagnostic interpretation of clinical images of rheumatoid arthritis. The authors present a systematic approach to explaining the topics related to rheumatoid arthritis with the aid of medical images. Key Features: - Presents information in the ABCDEGFG methodology (A: alignment, B: bone, C: cartilage, and D: distribution, E: extra-bone, F: further examination, and G: goal) - Illustrates a broad range radiographic imaging techniques such as plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, scintigraphy, PET-CT, ultrasound, and clinical photographs. - Explains topics in a simple pictorial essay format The book is a simplified reference for medical students studying rheumatology and orthopedics as well as interns in radiology who seek to learn about the finer details of diagnostics in these specialties.

Contemporary Endoscopic Spine Surgery brings the reader the most up-to-date information on the endoscopy of the spine. Key opinion leaders from around the world have come together to present the clinical evidence behind their competitive endoscopic spinal surgery protocols. Chapters in the series cover a range of aspects of spine surgery including spinal pain generators, preoperative workup with modern independent predictors of favorable clinical outcomes with endoscopy, anesthesia in an outpatient setting, management of complications, and a fresh look at technology advances in a historical context. The reader will have a first-row seat during the illustrative discussions of expanded surgical indications from herniated disc to more complex clinical problems, including stenosis, instability, and deformity in patients with advanced degenerative disease of the human spine. Contemporary Endoscopic Spine Surgery is divided into three volumes: Cervical Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Advanced Technologies to capture an accurate snapshot in time of this fast-moving field. It is intended as a comprehensive go-to reference text for surgeons in graduate residency and postgraduate fellowship training programs and for practicing spine surgeons interested in looking for the scientific foundation for their practice expansion into endoscopic surgery. This volume (Cervical Spine) covers the following topics Cervical Endoscopy: Historical Perspectives, Present & Future Anesthesia For Minimally Invasive Surgery Of The Cervical Algorithms To Choose Between Anterior And Posterior Cervical Endoscopy Contemporary Clinical Decision Making In Full Endoscopic Cervical Spine Surgery Indications And Outcomes With Endoscopic Posterior Cervical Rhizotomy Anterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy Anterior Transcorporeal Approach Of Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy Anterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy And Foraminoplasty For Herniated Disc And Lateral Canal Stenosis Posterior Full Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy & Foraminotomy Endoscopic Decompression For Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

This monograph offers the reader an integrated point-of-view about the inflammatory response related to injury, infections and tumors. This integration is based on the hypothesis that the multiple pathophysiological mechanisms making up inflammation represent the re-expression of ontogenic mechanisms during early embryo development as well as the recapitulation of ancestral phylogenetic mechanisms. The relevance of the anti-inflammatory treatments is also highlighted with respect to polytraumatic patients, advances in stem cell research, embryology and the wound healing mechanism. Readers of this book will have the chance of gaining a unique perspective about of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the multiple inflammatory conditions. This integrative concept about inflammation can be applied in biological investigation, as well as in clinical research and translational medicine.

Oesophago-gastric Surgery is a reference manual which addresses the core knowledge needs of surgical trainees in oesophago-gastric surgery as well as established consultants in oesophago-gastric surgery and other specialties. The book features a practical and user-friendly format for the benefit of undergraduate and professional readers. The editors have carefully included information that aligns with gastroenterology specialization curricula. Chapters in the first part cover all introductory topics about oesophagal and gastric surgery including anaesthesia, perioperative care, nutrition and physiology. This part concludes with details on various disorders of the oesophagus, Barret’s oesophagus, and reflux disease.