Books on the topic 'Cell based studies'

The standard management for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a combination of aggressive debulking surgery with residual tumor of less than 1 cm and platinum-based chemotherapy. However, a high percentage of patients experience disease recurrence. Extensive efforts to find new therapeutic options have been made, albeit cancer cells develop drug resistance and malignant progression occurs. Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to enhance progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with advanced EOC. Several preclinical and clinical studies investigated feasibility and efficacy of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in EOC. The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of ACT in EOC, focusing on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-restricted tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and MHC-independent immune effectors such as natural killer and cytokine-induced killer. The available data suggest that ACT may provide the best outcome in patients with low tumor burden, minimal residual disease, or maintenance therapy. Further preclinical studies and clinical trials are needed.

The book presents the recent achievements in the use of renewable energy sources, chemical processes, biomaterials for the efficient production of hydrogen, its storage and use as a fuel in the FC-based power systems. Novel results were obtained within two research programs, namely, the NATO Science for Peace G5233 project “Portable Energy Supply” (2017-21) and the priority program of the NAS of Ukraine "Development of scientific principles of the production, storage and use of hydrogen in autonomous energy systems" (2019-21). The priority program was implemented by the leading institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and contained three focus areas: efficient materials and technologies for the production, storage and use of hydrogen. This includes the development of new functional materials for the fuel cells and the application of the latter in autonomous power supply systems. 4-years NATO's project was implemented by a consortium led by the Institute for Energy Technology (Coordinator; NATO country - Norway) together with the institutes from the NATO partner country – Ukraine – belonging to the NAS of Ukraine: Physico-Mechanical Institute, Institute for Problems of Materials Science and Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry. The work included the studies of H2 generation by the hydrolysis of MgH2, Al and NaBH4, analysis of the mechanisms of these processes and selection of the most efficient catalyzers. The project successfully developed a system integrating hydrolysis process and a PEM fuel cell.

The adult mammalian heart has poor regenerative capacity. Loss of functional cardiomyocytes following myocardial infarction leads to the replacement of functional muscle by scar tissue. This has a detrimental effect on cardiac function and may lead to heart failure. Potential regeneration of severe cardiac damage would require replacement of dead and damaged cardiomyocytes by transplantation, recruitment of endogenous progenitor cells, or induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation. For more than a decade, clinical trials to ameliorate the injured heart have been under way. However, after evaluation of the outcome of these trials it is evident that the beneficial effects of these cell-based transplantations are only marginal, and beneficial effects, if any, are not caused by regeneration of cardiomyocytes. In recent years, alternative approaches and various cell sources have been studied and suggested for cardiac repair. Recent advances in these cell-based therapies or strategies to activate endogenous cardiac repair are discussed.

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are common malformations of cerebral cortical development that are highly associated with medically intractable epilepsy. FCDs have been classified according to neuropathological subtypes (type Ia, Ib, IIA, IIb, and III) based on the severity of cytoarchitectural disruption, and the presence of unique cell types (e.g., balloon cells). Most FCDs can be detected by neuroimaging studies and will require respective epilepsy surgery to cure refractory seizures. The pathogenesis of FCDs remains to be defined, although current belief is that these lesions result from sporadic somatic mutations occurring in brain development. A link to the mammalian target of rapamycin cascade has been defined for some FCD subtypes.

Despite advances in chemotherapeutic regimens, ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis. Therefore important effective treatments are urgently needed. Many studies have reported that the immune system plays a critical role in disease progression and overall survival. One known effective immunotherapy is the dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccine pulsed with tumor-associated antigens. This chapter reports on a method of production of a novel DC-based vaccine. The key technologies are (a) monocyte collection without leukapheresis, (b) monocyte expansion, (c) production of dendritic cells, (d) multiple overlapping long peptides with heat shock protein 70, and (e) combination immunotherapy approach. The next generation of immunotherapy for ovarian cancer will be focused on combination approaches that simultaneously augment immunity while preventing local immune suppression. Possible combinations which might be useful to help patients with ovarian cancer are summarized in this chapter.

The two major cardiac cell lineages of the vertebrate heart, the first and second cardiac fields (FHF and SHF), have different developmental ontogeny and thus different transcription programs. Most remarkably, the fate of cardiac progenitors (CPs) of the FHF is restricted to cardiomyocyte differentiation. In contrast, SHF CPs, which are specified independently, are maintained in a multipotent state for a relatively longer developmental time and can differentiate into multiple cell types. The identity of the transcription factors and regulatory elements involved in progenitor cell programming and fate are only now beginning to emerge. Apparent inconsistencies between studies based on tissue culture and in vivo embryonic studies confirm that the ontogeny of cardiac progenitors is strongly driven or affected by regionalization, and thus by the signals that they receive in different regions. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about transcription factors and mechanisms driving CP ontogeny, with special focus on SHF development.

This article describes carbon-nanotube based X-ray technologies for medical research and clinical applications, including an X-ray source, microfocus X-ray tube, microcomputed tomography scanner, stationary digital breast tomosynthesis, microradiotherapy system, and single-cell irradiation system. It first examines electron field emission from carbon nanotubes before discussing carbon-nanotube field emission electron and X-ray technologies in greater detail. It highlights the enormous promise of these systems in commercial and research application for the future in diagnostic medical imaging; in-vivo imaging of small-animal modelsfor pre-clinical cancer studies; security screening; industrial inspection; cancer radiotherapy of small-animal models for pre-clinical cancer studies; and basic cancer research using single-cell irradiation.

Two monoclonal antibodies, RP215 and GHR106, were selected, respectively, for the research and development of anti-cancer drugs targeting ovarian cancer and other types of human cancer. RP215 was shown to react with a carbohydrate-associated epitope located mainly in the variable regions of immunoglobulin heavy chains expressed on the surface of almost all cancer cells in humans. GHR106 was generated against a synthetic peptide corresponding to N1-29 amino acid residues in the extracellular domains of human GnRH receptor, which is surface-expressed by most cancer cells as well as the anterior pituitary. This monoclonal antibody was shown to serve as a bioequivalent analog to GnRH-derived decapeptides currently used clinically. The molecular mechanisms of action of these two antibody-based anti-cancer drug candidates were well elucidated following numerous biochemical, immunological, and molecular biological studies, mainly by using ovarian cancer as the model. Further preclinical studies with humanized forms of these two antibodies are essential.

Transfusions are among the most common medical procedures in the intensive care unit. Several randomized controlled trials (RCT) indicate that restrictive red cell transfusion practice using a haemoglobin of <7g/dL is safe in critically-ill patients. Although similar RCT are not available for plasma or platelet transfusion guidelines, a large body of observational studies suggest that plasma transfusion for an invasive procedure has not been shown to be of benefit in patients with INR <2.0. Similarly, in thrombocytopenic patients, the target platelet count for bleeding or for an invasive procedure is 50,000/µl. Viral transmission risk has become exceedingly low. Other risks such as transfusion-associated circulatory overload and, to a lesser extent, transfusion-related acute lung injury, are much more common. Storage of red cells does not seem to be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Alternatives using haemostatic agents, salvaged blood, and adherence to evidence-based transfusion guidelines probably reduce the need for transfusion in critically-ill patients.

The key factor in HIV pathogenesis is the decline in CD4+ T cells with resultant immunodeficiency and chronic inflammation. Depletion of CD4+ T cells from the gastrointestinal mucosa followed by microbial translocation and subsequent immune activation are components of disease progression in untreated patients. Symptomatic and occult opportunistic infections including cytomegalovirus contribute to chronic inflammation in persons infected with HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) results in immune reconstitution, with increases in peripheral CD4+ T cell lymphocytes in most persons infected with HIV, although immune recovery is quite variable. A subset of patients with AIDS will develop immune reconstitution inflammatory syndromes after initiation of ART. Approximately 1% of persons with HIV are able to control infection without the need for ART (“elite” controllers). A variety of immune-based therapies, including hydroxyurea, growth hormone, and statins, are being studied in clinical trials and may ultimately play a role in treating persons with HIV infection.

Radiation from wireless transmitting devices can cause or worsen acute and chronic health conditions. Outdated exposure limits for cell phones and other wireless devices emitting microwave radiation, a form of radiofrequency radiation, are based solely on avoiding an increase in temperature and do not accommodate increasing evidence of nonthermal effects on reproductive, neurologic, developmental and cardiac health, and cancer. In 2016, the U.S. National Toxicology Program reported significantly greater risks of brain (i.e. gliomas) and heart tumors in the largest rodent study ever conducted. Case-control studies found that regular and heavy cell phone users incurred increased risks of these tumors. Increasing trends of aggressive gliomas among young people have been reported. Chapter 10 provides an overview of microwave chemistry and in vitro, in vivo, epidemiologic, and clinical study findings. Guidance from international authorities addresses history taking, clinical management of relevant exposures, and promotion of safer technologic approaches and policies.

A variety of monogenic and polygenic genetic disorders have been linked to stroke, making it important for the clinician to keep up with the new discoveries and the potential to provide new gene-based therapies. Hematologic disorders such as sickle cell disease and thrombophilia due to mutations in prothrombin, factor V Leiden, and homocysteine metabolism are fairly well known, but mutations in mitochondrial metabolism and matrix metalloproteinases are less recognized. In addition, results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in stroke populations are revealing mutations that could predispose to stroke in specific ethnic populations. These studies are also revealing some crossover in mutations between stroke and familial hemiplegic migraine as well as mutations in growth factors such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that appear to influence the recovery from stroke by altering cortical plasticity.

A distinction between descriptive and directive representations can readily be drawn within the varitel framework. Neither decoupling, nor the ability to keep track of goal satisfaction, are constitutive of having directive content, although both imply that content will be directive. The distinction drawn here has plausible consequences when applied to the case studies based on UE information and UE structural correspondence in previous chapters. There are several other kinds of sophistication which, while going along with a descriptive–directive difference, are not constitutive of it. Interestingly, the rat navigation case gives us a possible subpersonal example of a mode of representing that goes beyond the descriptive or the directive. Something like supposing may be involved when place cell activity is used offline to calculate shortest routes.

Broadly defined, hypovolemia represents inadequate circulating plasma volume leading to decreased cardiac preload and thus decreased cardiac output and blood pressure. Many classification schemes have been proposed to categorize hypovolemia based on relative levels of decreased plasma volume. Common causes of hypovolemic shock during the perioperative period include hemorrhage and diuretic use. In general, studies support a conservative hemoglobin goal of about 7 g/dL as compared with a liberal goal of 10 g/dL in hemodynamically stable patients without active cardiac ischemia or risk factors. In patients with large volume blood loss, institutionally approved massive transfusion protocols can help provide blood products quickly. The trauma literature supports a balanced massive transfusion protocol using a 1:1:1 (plasma:platelet:red blood cell) strategy of transfusion.

Clinical Electromyography in Clinical Practice provides case-based learning of clinical Electromyography (EMG) with a main mission of reducing the gap between theory and practice in the field of electrodiagnostic medicine. The book format includes four introductory chapters that acquaint the discipline and scope of the EMG Examination to the beginners. This include chapters on nerve conduction studies, needle EMG, and specialized testing including late responses, repetitive nerve stimulation and single fiber EMG. Discussion on the electrodiagnostic and clinical EMG findings in the numerous neuromuscular disorders including anterior horn cell disorders, peripheral neuropathies, neuromuscular junction disorders and myopathies. The second part of the book includes comprehensive presentations of 27 cases that encompass the most common disorders encountered in the EMG laboratory and are presented in a similar layout. These are subdivided into (1) focal disorders of the lower extremity, (2) focal disorders of the upper extremity, and (3) generalized neuromuscular disorders. The book focuses on problem solving through analysis of the data obtained on nerve conduction studies and needle EMG. This is meant to be a bedside analysis of data, similar to what occurs in the EMG laboratory on a daily basis. The exact values obtained on nerve conduction studies are examined and the details of the findings on needle EMG are studied. A final diagnosis is then made. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the clinical and electrodiagnostic findings of the disorder. Clinical Electromyography in Clinical Practice is an ideal book for physicians interested in learning and mastering the clinical practice of clinical EMG. This includes specialists in the field of neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, hand surgery, neurosurgery, spine, rheumatology and pain management.

Access to a growing number of marine invertebrates with genetic and genomic tools has broadened our understanding of the diversity of developmental mechanisms, informing our understanding of larval evolution by allowing the identification of shared or divergent programs for the formation of body plan patterning and organ formation. Two such genetic programs are the apical plate patterning network and the hox/parahox trunk and gut patterning network common to larval and adult forms, respectively. While mounting evidence supports an ancient origin at the base of the Bilateria for both adult and larval forms, it is clear that many distinct organs and structures have appeared independently and can be shifted between the larval and adult phase frequently. Future advances in our understanding of larval evolution are likely to emerge from exhaustive studies of marine invertebrate cell types by single-cell sequencing technologies and through the study of the genetic basis of the metamorphic transition.

Invertebrates have proven to be extremely useful models for gaining insights into the neural and molecular mechanisms of sensory processing, motor control, and higher functions, such as feeding behavior, learning and memory, navigation, and social behavior. Their enormous contribution to neuroscience is due, in part, to the relative simplicity of invertebrate nervous systems and, in part, to the large cells found in some invertebrates, like mollusks. Because of the organizms’ cell size, individual neurons can be surgically removed and assayed for expression of membrane channels, levels of second messengers, protein phosphorylation, and RNA and protein synthesis. Moreover, peptides and nucleotides can be injected into individual neurons. Other invertebrate systems such as Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans are ideal models for genetic approaches to the exploration of neuronal function and the neuronal bases of behavior. The Oxford Handbook of Invertebrate Neurobiology reviews neurobiological phenomena, including motor pattern generation, mechanisms of synaptic transmission, and learning and memory, as well as circadian rhythms, development, regeneration, and reproduction. Species-specific behaviors are covered in chapters on the control of swimming in annelids, crustacea, and mollusks; locomotion in hexapods; and camouflage in cephalopods. A unique feature of the handbook is the coverage of social behavior and intentionality in invertebrates. These developments are contextualized in a chapter summarizing past contributions of invertebrate research as well as areas for future studies that will continue to advance the field.

Anime Studies: Media-Specific Approaches to Neon Genesis Evangelion aims at advancing the study of anime, understood as largely TV-based genre fiction rendered in cel, or cel-look, animation with a strong affinity to participatory cultures and media convergence. Taking Neon Genesis Evangelion (Shin Seiki Evangerion) as a case study, this volume acknowledges anime as a media form with clearly recognizable aesthetic properties, (sub)cultural affordances and situated discourses. First broadcast in Japan in 1995-96, Neon Genesis Evangelion became an epoch-making anime, and later franchise. The initial series used already available conventions, visual resources and narrative tropes typical of anime in general and the mecha (or giant-robot) genre in particular, but at the same time it subverted and reinterpreted them in a highly innovative and as such standard-setting way. Investigating anime through Neon Genesis Evangelion this volume takes a broadly understood media-aesthetic and media-cultural perspective, which pertains to medium in the narrow sense of technology, techniques, materials, and semiotics, but also mediality and mediations related to practices and institutions of production, circulation, and consumption. In no way intended to be exhaustive, this volume attests to the emergence of anime studies as a field in its own right, including but not prioritizing expertise in film studies and Japanese studies, and with due regard to the most widely shared critical publications in Japanese and English language. Thus, the volume provides an introduction to studies of anime, a field that necessarily interrelates media-specific and transmedial aspects. In Anime Studies: Media-Specific Approaches to Neon Genesis Evangelion, anime is addressed from a transnational and transdisciplinary stance. The disciplinary and methodological perspectives taken by the individual chapters range from audio-visual culture, narratology, performance and genre theory to fandom studies and gender studies. In its first part, the book focuses on textual analysis and media form in the narrow sense with regard to filmic media, bank footage, voice acting and musical score, and then it broadens the scope to consider subcultural discourse, franchising, manga and video game adaptations, as well as critical and affective user engagement.

This book provides an update on heterocyclic compounds that serve as key components of anti-cancer agents administered in pre-clinical settings. Many of the compounds highlighted in the book are being actively investigated for the bioactive properties against a range of cancer cell lines. There is potential for heterocyclic compounds to design agents that can target specific molecules to treat different types of cancers. Chapters are contributed by experts in pharmaceutical chemistry and are written to give a general overview of the topic to readers involved in all levels of research and decision-making in pharmaceutical chemistry and anti-cancer drug design. Part 1 of the book set covers these topics: - Heterocyclic anticancer compounds derived from natural sources with their mechanism of action - The role of terpenoids as anticancer compounds: an insight into prevention and treatment - Recent advances in synthesis and anticancer activity of benzothiazole hybrids as anticancer agents - Structure-activity relationship studies of novel hybrid quinoline and quinolone derivatives as anticancer agents - Tetrazoles: structure and activity relationship as anticancer agents - Progress in nitrogen and oxygen-based heterocyclic compounds for their anticancer activity: an update (2017-2020)

Biological effects of radiation have been interpreted based on the assumption that DNA is the primary target, but recent research has shown that non-targeted mechanisms may affect cells that are not directly exposed. The most important effect in humans from low doses of radiation is the induction of cancer, but risks of other effects such as cataract and cardiac or circulatory disease are becoming apparent. Epidemiological studies of Japanese survivors of atomic bombs demonstrate a clear linear relationship between solid cancer incidence and organ dose. This is supported by other epidemiological data. This has become the gold standard for prediction of malignancy based on a linear no-threshold ‘LNT’ extrapolation, which links risk directly to radiation dose. However, the risk calculations involve many assumptions and approximations. They are designed to provide guidance on which a workable protection framework can be based. It is important that practitioners are aware of their limitations.

The gut has a pivotal role in immune homeostasis. It is constantly exposed to a wide array of antigens in food, and resident and consumed microorganisms. It is estimated that the number of bacterial cells in the gastrointestinal tract is tenfold greater than the number of cells in the human body. The gut needs to recognize harmful bacteria, and consequently contains the largest number of immune cells in the body. However, it must remain tolerant to commensal bacteria. Bacteria express antigens that stimulate an immunological response via the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The GALT includes the appendix, tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Therefore, the intestinal immune system is finely balanced between tolerance and reactivity. An example of an abnormal response that generally the individual should be tolerant to is gliadin peptides in coeliac disease. An example of excessive tolerance to an otherwise controllable infection is cryptosporidiosis, which causes diarrhoea in patients with HIV infection. The understanding of genetics in disease has progressed rapidly with the introduction of genome-wide association studies. The Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium has performed extensive research on the genetics of many illnesses, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and primary biliary cholangitis. Although these studies have increased our understanding of the molecular basis of disease, they have had little impact on clinical management. This may change as studies associate genotype and phenotype. Several gastrointestinal diseases have an etiology based on immunological or genetic aberrations, and these immunological mechanisms and genetic mutations can be utilized for diagnostic purposes. However, there is no genetic or immunological marker that is 100% specific to a disease and, consequently, the markers are used to support clinical, histological, and/or radiological findings.

Combination immunosuppressive therapy produces excellent short-term results after kidney transplantation. Long-term graft survival has improved, but less dramatically. Death with a functioning graft remains the primary cause of graft loss. Dosing of current immunosuppressive therapy balances between careful clinical interpretation of time-driven immunological risk assessments and drug-related toxicity on the one hand, and the use of simple surrogate drug exposure indicators like blood/plasma concentrations on the other. The combined use of calcineurin-inhibitors (CNIs) with mycophenolic acids and corticosteroids has been fine-tuned over the last decade, based on empirically derived observations as well as on the results of large multicentre randomized clinical studies. Corticosteroid withdrawal and avoidance are feasible, at least in patients with a low immunological risk, but CNI-free protocols have had few long-term successes. Some minimization strategies have increased risk of developing acute rejection or (donor-specific) anti-HLA antibodies, with deleterious effects on the graft. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) have shown limited benefit in early CNI replacement regimens and their long-term use as primary drug is hampered by intolerance. In the setting of particular malignant disease occurring after transplantation, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and Kaposi’s sarcoma, mTORi seem promising. Induction agents (anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibodies, antithymocyte globulins) effectively diminish the risk of early immunological graft loss in recipients with moderate to high immunological risk but at the price of more infectious or malignant complications. While personalized transplantation medicine is only in its early stages of development, attempts are made to quantitatively measure the clinical degree of immunosuppression, to tailor immunosuppressive therapy more specifically to the patient’s individual profile, and to monitor graft status by use of invasive (e.g. surveillance renal biopsies) and non-invasive biomarkers. These scientific endeavours are a necessity to further optimize the current immunosuppressive therapy which will remain for some time to come.

Until the 1970s all materials studied consisted of periodic arrays of unit cells, or were amorphous. In the following decades a new class of solid state matter, called aperiodic crystals, has been found. It is a long-range ordered structure, but without lattice periodicity. It is found in a wide range of materials: organic and inorganic compounds, minerals (including a substantial portion of the earth’s crust), and metallic alloys, under various pressures and temperatures. Because of the lack of periodicity the usual techniques for the study of structure and physical properties no longer work, and new techniques have to be developed. This book deals with the characterization of the structure, the structure determination, and the study of the physical properties, especially the dynamical and electronic properties of aperiodic crystals. The treatment is based on a description in a space with more dimensions than three, the so-called superspace. This allows us to generalize the standard crystallography and to look differently at the dynamics. The three main classes of aperiodic crystals, modulated phases, incommensurate composites, and quasicrystals are treated from a unified point of view which stresses the similarities of the various systems. The book assumes as a prerequisite a knowledge of the fundamental techniques of crystallography and the theory of condensed matter, and covers the literature at the forefront of the field.

The study described in this chapter examines whether individual differences in six rating-based bonobo personality dimensions—assertiveness, conscientiousness, openness, attentiveness, agreeableness and extroversion—are related to sex, age, behaviours and dominance. To these ends, the study tested predictions based on previous studies of human and chimpanzee personality, and bonobo behaviour and socio-ecology. Sex and age differences in assertiveness, openness and extroversion, and correlations between these personality dimensions and behaviour were consistent with predictions. Conscientiousness showed associations with observed behaviours but requires further investigation as sex and age effects differed from those reported in humans and chimpanzees. Agreeableness and attentiveness showed few associations with age, sex and behaviours, indicating the need to further investigate validity of these factors. This chapter shows that personality dimensions in bonobos are correlated with sex, age and behaviours in ways that are consistent with what is known for bonobos and their socio-ecology. L’étude décrite dans ce chapitre examine si les différences individuelles dans six dimensions de personnalité bonobos basées sur évaluation—Affirmation de soi, Conscience, Ouverture, Attention, Agréabilité, et l’Extroversion—sont liées au sexe et l’âge et les comportements et la dominance. L’étude a testé les prédictions basées sur des études précédentes de la personnalité humaine et chimpanzé, et le comportement bonobo et la socioécologie. Les différences de sexe et d’âge dans l’Affirmation de soi, l’Ouverture et l’Extroversion et les corrélations entre ces dimensions de personnalité et de comportement étaient cohérents avec nos prédictions. La Conscience montre des associations avec les comportements observés mais a besoin plus de recherche vu que les effets du sexe et de l’âge diffèrent des effets rapportés chez les humains et les chimpanzés. L’Agréabilité et l’Attention n’avaient pas autant d’associations avec l’âge, le sexe et les comportements. Cela montre qu’il faut plus rechercher la validité de ces facteurs. Cette étude montre que les dimensions de personnalité chez les bonobos sont corrélé à l’âge, au sexe et aux comportements de manières qui sont cohérentes avec notre connaissance des bonobos et de leur socioécologie.

Female patients undergoing treatment for cancer often experience significant changes in their sexuality due to the disease and its treatment. Sexuality relates to the sexual habits and desires of each individual. It varies according to age-related sexual needs. Many women with cancer consider their sexuality an important aspect of their lives. Yet, they may refrain from sex or enjoy it less following treatment, whether it be surgical or by irradiation, and accompanied by adjunctive chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Chapter 11 discusses these issues, with a vignette illustrating the impact of an unexpected diagnosis of cancer. Multiple studies have examined sexual dysfunction following treatment of gynaecological cancers, including breast cancer, and several proposed solutions are available. However, the information has not been implemented by many health providers, and patients often experience anxiety and embarrassment when planning to discuss sexuality. The patients may be concerned that their sexual habits might interfere with the treatment outcome, and cause a recurrence of cancer. Reproductive dysfunction is only one of the manifold problems in the female undergoing cancer therapy. It can lead to infertility but certain treatment methods could help retain fertility. Ethical concerns pertaining to the preservation, and use of germ cells, need to be addressed. Ideally, a team of healthcare providers should handle sexual rehabilitation of the cancer survivor based on the patient's history. Unfamiliarity with such matters makes many medical professionals hesitant in discussing their patients' sexuality. The PLISSIT model can help initiate the assessment of sexual dysfunction in these patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory complication and affects approximately 1 % of the global population. It affects three times more women than men. RA is an autoimmune disorder elicited by exposure of genetic factors from the host to unknown antigens causing arthritogenic complaints. It also includes the activation of lymphocytes as well as CD4+ helper T cells along with local release of chronic inflammatory mediators and cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF α) and various cytokines like interleukins (IL) that enormously affect the joints. The available allopathic therapies for RA are not a cure for the complications, and antibody therapy and surgical procedures are expensive. However, in the present era, researchers and healthcare professionals have moved toward natural medicines obtained from plants and other natural sources. Research based on developments in phytomedicine has progressed steadily. Evidence has been collected to show the massive therapeutic potential of medicinal plants used in various traditional systems against many pathological complications. Researchers have focused on the therapeutic potential of natural products used for treatment and counteracting various disorders along with their complications having negligible adverse effects. Natural Products for the Management of Arthritic Disorders compiles current knowledge about the bioactive compounds and herbal formulations useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. 11 chapters explain the role of natural products in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Topics have been contributed by experts in medicinal chemistry and rheumatology. The book first introduces the reader to rheumatoid arthritis before delving into conventional and alternative therapies for the disease. The editors have also included special topics such as the biomarkers for RA, cytokines and anti-inflammatory mediators, preclinical and clinical studies. The range of topics should provide a comprehensive overview of natural remedies for arthritis and the role of natural products in anti-arthritic drug development. The information will be useful for many readers including medical and pharmacology students, multidisciplinary research scholars, scientists, pharma / herbal / food industrialists, and policy makers.

In the UK, the four commonest cancers—lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer—result in around 62 000 deaths every year. Although deaths from cancer have fallen in the UK over the last 20 years, the UK still suffers from higher cancer death rates than many other countries in Western Europe. In 1999, the UK government produced a White Paper called Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation that outlined a national target to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 20% in people under 75 by 2010. The subsequent NHS Cancer Plan of 2000 designed a framework by which to achieve this target through effective prevention, screening, and treatment programmes as well as restructuring and developing new diagnostic and treatment facilities. But do we know enough about the biology of the development of cancer for government health policies alone to force dramatic changes in survival? The science behind the causes of cancer tells us that its origin lies in acquired or inherited genetic abnormalities. Inherited gene mutation syndromes and exposure to environmental mutagens cause cancer, largely through abnormalities in DNA repair mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Although screening those thought to be at highest risk, and regulating exposure to environmental carcinogens such as tobacco or ionizing radiation, have reduced, and will continue to reduce, cancer deaths, there are many other environmental factors that have been shown to increase the population risk of cancer. These will be outlined in this chapter. However, the available evidence is largely from retrospective and cross-sectional population-based studies and therefore limits the ability to apply this knowledge to the risk of the individual patient who may been seen in clinic. Although we may be able to put him or her into a high-, intermediate-, or low-risk category, the question ‘will I get cancer, doc?’ is one that we cannot answer with certainty. The NHS Cancer Plan of 2000, designed to reduce cancer deaths in this country and to bring UK treatment results in line with those other countries in Europe, focuses on preventing malignancy as part of its comprehensive cancer management strategy. It highlights that the rich are less likely to develop cancer, and will survive longer if they are diagnosed than those who live in poverty. This may reflect available treatment options, but is more likely to be related to the lifestyle of those with regular work, as they may be more health aware. The Cancer Plan, however, suggests that relieving poverty may be more labour intensive and less rewarding than encouraging positive risk-reducing behaviour in all members of the population. Eating well can reduce the risk of developing many cancers, particularly of the stomach and bowel. The Cancer Plan outlines the ‘Five-a-Day’ programme which was rolled out in 2002 and encouraged people to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Obese people are also at higher risk of cancers, in particular endometrial cancer. A good diet and regular exercise not only reduce obesity but are also independent risk-reducing factors. Alcohol misuse is thought to be a major risk factor in around 3% of all cancers, with the highest risk for cancers of the mouth and throat. As part of the Cancer Plan, the Department of Health promotes physical activity and general health programmes, as well as alcohol and smoking programmes, particularly in deprived areas. Focusing on these healthy lifestyle points can potentially reduce an individual lifetime risk of all cancers. However, our knowledge of the biology of four cancers in particular has led to the development of specific life-saving interventions. Outlined in this chapter are details regarding ongoing prevention strategies for carcinomas of the lung, the breast, the bowel, and the cervix.

Bones are multifunctional passive organs of movement that supports soft tissue and directly attached muscles. They also protect internal organs and are a reserve of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Each bone is covered with periosteum, and the adjacent bone surfaces are covered by articular cartilage. Histologically, the bone is an organ composed of many different tissues. The main component is bone tissue (cortical and spongy) composed of a set of bone cells and intercellular substance (mineral and organic), it also contains fat, hematopoietic (bone marrow) and cartilaginous tissue. Bones are a tissue that even in adult life retains the ability to change shape and structure depending on changes in their mechanical and hormonal environment, as well as self-renewal and repair capabilities. This process is called bone turnover. The basic processes of bone turnover are: • bone modeling (incessantly changes in bone shape during individual growth) following resorption and tissue formation at various locations (e.g. bone marrow formation) to increase mass and skeletal morphology. This process occurs in the bones of growing individuals and stops after reaching puberty • bone remodeling (processes involve in maintaining bone tissue by resorbing and replacing old bone tissue with new tissue in the same place, e.g. repairing micro fractures). It is a process involving the removal and internal remodeling of existing bone and is responsible for maintaining tissue mass and architecture of mature bones. Bone turnover is regulated by two types of transformation: • osteoclastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone resorption • osteoblastogenesis, i.e. formation of cells responsible for bone formation (bone matrix synthesis and mineralization) Bone maturity can be defined as the completion of basic structural development and mineralization leading to maximum mass and optimal mechanical strength. The highest rate of increase in pig bone mass is observed in the first twelve weeks after birth. This period of growth is considered crucial for optimizing the growth of the skeleton of pigs, because the degree of bone mineralization in later life stages (adulthood) depends largely on the amount of bone minerals accumulated in the early stages of their growth. The development of the technique allows to determine the condition of the skeletal system (or individual bones) in living animals by methods used in human medicine, or after their slaughter. For in vivo determination of bone properties, Abstract 10 double energy X-ray absorptiometry or computed tomography scanning techniques are used. Both methods allow the quantification of mineral content and bone mineral density. The most important property from a practical point of view is the bone’s bending strength, which is directly determined by the maximum bending force. The most important factors affecting bone strength are: • age (growth period), • gender and the associated hormonal balance, • genotype and modification of genes responsible for bone growth • chemical composition of the body (protein and fat content, and the proportion between these components), • physical activity and related bone load, • nutritional factors: – protein intake influencing synthesis of organic matrix of bone, – content of minerals in the feed (CA, P, Zn, Ca/P, Mg, Mn, Na, Cl, K, Cu ratio) influencing synthesis of the inorganic matrix of bone, – mineral/protein ratio in the diet (Ca/protein, P/protein, Zn/protein) – feed energy concentration, – energy source (content of saturated fatty acids - SFA, content of polyun saturated fatty acids - PUFA, in particular ALA, EPA, DPA, DHA), – feed additives, in particular: enzymes (e.g. phytase releasing of minerals bounded in phytin complexes), probiotics and prebiotics (e.g. inulin improving the function of the digestive tract by increasing absorption of nutrients), – vitamin content that regulate metabolism and biochemical changes occurring in bone tissue (e.g. vitamin D3, B6, C and K). This study was based on the results of research experiments from available literature, and studies on growing pigs carried out at the Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences. The tests were performed in total on 300 pigs of Duroc, Pietrain, Puławska breeds, line 990 and hybrids (Great White × Duroc, Great White × Landrace), PIC pigs, slaughtered at different body weight during the growth period from 15 to 130 kg. Bones for biomechanical tests were collected after slaughter from each pig. Their length, mass and volume were determined. Based on these measurements, the specific weight (density, g/cm3) was calculated. Then each bone was cut in the middle of the shaft and the outer and inner diameters were measured both horizontally and vertically. Based on these measurements, the following indicators were calculated: • cortical thickness, • cortical surface, • cortical index. Abstract 11 Bone strength was tested by a three-point bending test. The obtained data enabled the determination of: • bending force (the magnitude of the maximum force at which disintegration and disruption of bone structure occurs), • strength (the amount of maximum force needed to break/crack of bone), • stiffness (quotient of the force acting on the bone and the amount of displacement occurring under the influence of this force). Investigation of changes in physical and biomechanical features of bones during growth was performed on pigs of the synthetic 990 line growing from 15 to 130 kg body weight. The animals were slaughtered successively at a body weight of 15, 30, 40, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 130 kg. After slaughter, the following bones were separated from the right half-carcass: humerus, 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone, femur, tibia and fibula as well as 3rd and 4th metatarsal bone. The features of bones were determined using methods described in the methodology. Describing bone growth with the Gompertz equation, it was found that the earliest slowdown of bone growth curve was observed for metacarpal and metatarsal bones. This means that these bones matured the most quickly. The established data also indicate that the rib is the slowest maturing bone. The femur, humerus, tibia and fibula were between the values of these features for the metatarsal, metacarpal and rib bones. The rate of increase in bone mass and length differed significantly between the examined bones, but in all cases it was lower (coefficient b <1) than the growth rate of the whole body of the animal. The fastest growth rate was estimated for the rib mass (coefficient b = 0.93). Among the long bones, the humerus (coefficient b = 0.81) was characterized by the fastest rate of weight gain, however femur the smallest (coefficient b = 0.71). The lowest rate of bone mass increase was observed in the foot bones, with the metacarpal bones having a slightly higher value of coefficient b than the metatarsal bones (0.67 vs 0.62). The third bone had a lower growth rate than the fourth bone, regardless of whether they were metatarsal or metacarpal. The value of the bending force increased as the animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. The rate of change in the value of this indicator increased at a similar rate as the body weight changes of the animals in the case of the fibula and the fourth metacarpal bone (b value = 0.98), and more slowly in the case of the metatarsal bone, the third metacarpal bone, and the tibia bone (values of the b ratio 0.81–0.85), and the slowest femur, humerus and rib (value of b = 0.60–0.66). Bone stiffness increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, the highest values were observed for the humerus, tibia and femur, smaller for the metatarsal and metacarpal bone, and the lowest for the fibula and rib. Abstract 12 The rate of change in the value of this indicator changed at a faster rate than the increase in weight of pigs in the case of metacarpal and metatarsal bones (coefficient b = 1.01–1.22), slightly slower in the case of fibula (coefficient b = 0.92), definitely slower in the case of the tibia (b = 0.73), ribs (b = 0.66), femur (b = 0.59) and humerus (b = 0.50). Bone strength increased as animals grew. Regardless of the growth point tested, bone strength was as follows femur > tibia > humerus > 4 metacarpal> 3 metacarpal> 3 metatarsal > 4 metatarsal > rib> fibula. The rate of increase in strength of all examined bones was greater than the rate of weight gain of pigs (value of the coefficient b = 2.04–3.26). As the animals grew, the bone density increased. However, the growth rate of this indicator for the majority of bones was slower than the rate of weight gain (the value of the coefficient b ranged from 0.37 – humerus to 0.84 – fibula). The exception was the rib, whose density increased at a similar pace increasing the body weight of animals (value of the coefficient b = 0.97). The study on the influence of the breed and the feeding intensity on bone characteristics (physical and biomechanical) was performed on pigs of the breeds Duroc, Pietrain, and synthetic 990 during a growth period of 15 to 70 kg body weight. Animals were fed ad libitum or dosed system. After slaughter at a body weight of 70 kg, three bones were taken from the right half-carcass: femur, three metatarsal, and three metacarpal and subjected to the determinations described in the methodology. The weight of bones of animals fed aa libitum was significantly lower than in pigs fed restrictively All bones of Duroc breed were significantly heavier and longer than Pietrain and 990 pig bones. The average values of bending force for the examined bones took the following order: III metatarsal bone (63.5 kg) <III metacarpal bone (77.9 kg) <femur (271.5 kg). The feeding system and breed of pigs had no significant effect on the value of this indicator. The average values of the bones strength took the following order: III metatarsal bone (92.6 kg) <III metacarpal (107.2 kg) <femur (353.1 kg). Feeding intensity and breed of animals had no significant effect on the value of this feature of the bones tested. The average bone density took the following order: femur (1.23 g/cm3) <III metatarsal bone (1.26 g/cm3) <III metacarpal bone (1.34 g / cm3). The density of bones of animals fed aa libitum was higher (P<0.01) than in animals fed with a dosing system. The density of examined bones within the breeds took the following order: Pietrain race> line 990> Duroc race. The differences between the “extreme” breeds were: 7.2% (III metatarsal bone), 8.3% (III metacarpal bone), 8.4% (femur). Abstract 13 The average bone stiffness took the following order: III metatarsal bone (35.1 kg/mm) <III metacarpus (41.5 kg/mm) <femur (60.5 kg/mm). This indicator did not differ between the groups of pigs fed at different intensity, except for the metacarpal bone, which was more stiffer in pigs fed aa libitum (P<0.05). The femur of animals fed ad libitum showed a tendency (P<0.09) to be more stiffer and a force of 4.5 kg required for its displacement by 1 mm. Breed differences in stiffness were found for the femur (P <0.05) and III metacarpal bone (P <0.05). For femur, the highest value of this indicator was found in Pietrain pigs (64.5 kg/mm), lower in pigs of 990 line (61.6 kg/mm) and the lowest in Duroc pigs (55.3 kg/mm). In turn, the 3rd metacarpal bone of Duroc and Pietrain pigs had similar stiffness (39.0 and 40.0 kg/mm respectively) and was smaller than that of line 990 pigs (45.4 kg/mm). The thickness of the cortical bone layer took the following order: III metatarsal bone (2.25 mm) <III metacarpal bone (2.41 mm) <femur (5.12 mm). The feeding system did not affect this indicator. Breed differences (P <0.05) for this trait were found only for the femur bone: Duroc (5.42 mm)> line 990 (5.13 mm)> Pietrain (4.81 mm). The cross sectional area of the examined bones was arranged in the following order: III metatarsal bone (84 mm2) <III metacarpal bone (90 mm2) <femur (286 mm2). The feeding system had no effect on the value of this bone trait, with the exception of the femur, which in animals fed the dosing system was 4.7% higher (P<0.05) than in pigs fed ad libitum. Breed differences (P<0.01) in the coross sectional area were found only in femur and III metatarsal bone. The value of this indicator was the highest in Duroc pigs, lower in 990 animals and the lowest in Pietrain pigs. The cortical index of individual bones was in the following order: III metatarsal bone (31.86) <III metacarpal bone (33.86) <femur (44.75). However, its value did not significantly depend on the intensity of feeding or the breed of pigs.