This book contains the proceedings of the XVIII International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2018). A majority of those who spoke and presented posters at the meeting contributed to this volume. The blinding diseases of inherited retinal degenerations have no treatments, and age-related macular degeneration has no cures, despite the fact that it is an epidemic among the elderly, with 1 in 3-4 affected by the age of 70. The RD Symposium focused on the exciting new developments aimed at understanding these diseases and providing therapies for them. Since most major scientists in the field of retinal degenerations attend the biennial RD Symposia, they are known by most as the “best” and “most important” meetings in the field. The volume presents representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy. While advances in these areas of retinal degenerations were described, there will be many new topics that either are in their infancy or did not exist at the time of the last RD Symposium. These include the role of inflammation and immunity, as well as other basic mechanisms, in age-related macular degeneration, several new aspects of gene therapy, and revolutionary new imaging and functional testing that will have a huge impact on the diagnosis and following the course of retinal degenerations, as well as to provide new quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. The retina is an approachable part of the central nervous system (CNS), and there is a major interest in neuroprotective and gene therapy for CNS diseases and neurodegenerations, in general. It should be noted that with successful and exciting initial clinical trials in neuroprotective and gene therapy, including the restoration of sight in blind children, the retinal degeneration therapies are leading the way towards new therapeutic measures for neurodegenerations of the CNS. Many of the successes recently reported in these areas of retinal degeneration sprang from collaborations established at previous RD Symposia, and many of those were reported at the RD2016 meeting and included in the current volume. We anticipate the excitement of those working in the field and those afflicted with retinal degenerations is reflected in the volume.

The Science of Glaucoma Management: From Translational Research to Next-Generation Clinical Practice bridges the gap between laboratory research and clinicians by bringing the latest promising research directly from researchers to clinicians long before they translate into clinical advances, and often before they are presented at conferences. Organized as a series of clinically relevant topics written by world-leading experts, this book summarizes the current state of laboratory and translational research and draws on the potential implications for day-to-day clinical practice. It offers new insights and mind-opening statements through contributions from some of the most respected glaucoma research groups. The book allows glaucoma specialists to explore novel ways to refine and rethink their practice based on the latest discoveries in basic sciences and breakthrough technologies, and to gain a better understanding on how their specialty is evolving and how research may shape tomorrow's practice. - Presents a detailed report on the latest translational research and breakthroughs that may transform glaucoma practice - Overviews the specialty from a scientific and clinical point-of-view - Written by world-renowned clinicians and researchers in the field of glaucoma - Includes insights, opinions and recommendations from some of the most prominent scientists and ophthalmologists - Covers hot topics and the latest technologies in glaucoma, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, telemedicine, gene therapy, neuroprotection and artificial intelligence

Oxidative stress is an underlying factor in health and disease. Reactive oxygen species are produced as a result of normal cellular metabolism. The subsequent altered redox state between the formation and the neutralization of pro-oxidants results in their increased levels and therefore leads to cellular damage. Different research disciplines have increased our knowledge of the importance of this cell redox status and the recognition of oxidative stress as a process with implications for many pathophysiological states. Genetic and environmental factors, nutrition and lifestyle may indicate a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory state, linked to alterations in cellular structure and function. Oxidative stress emerges as a common, unifying factor in several conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This eBook aims to provide novel data regarding the role played by oxidative stress and inflammation in the development of chronic diseases and the different classes of therapeutics from the bench to the clinic, stressing the awareness of these concepts for the treatment of disease. In addition, articles addressing an overview of the role of oxidative stress in vascular diseases reviewing some current concepts indicating that oxidative stress and inflammation are key mechanisms linking vascular diseases and current state-of-the-art approaches to monitor, prevent and inhibit oxidative stress will be highlighted. There is a close relation between oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the great amount of investigation carried out in the field, there are still uncertainties about the mechanisms by which free radicals can modify tissues such as perivascular adipose tissue that ultimately will reflect on vascular function. This eBook will focus on articles that can explore and identify these mechanisms. Concurrent with this understanding of oxidative stress milieu, it is necessary to recognize the need for new pharmacological tools effective in restoring oxidative balance. The abundance of new information and the paradigm shift in our understanding of how antioxidants and other redox-active drugs work in a wide variety of vascular diseases will be specifically highlighted. This eBook will provide a comprehensive, up-to-date source of information on the design and mechanistic, pharmacological, and medicinal aspects of redox-active therapeutics. Finally, a unique feature of the eBook is to provide a way to foster an enthralling discussion revisiting old paradigms and finding new solutions for the treatment of vascular diseases. The topic will include original research articles, hypotheses, perspectives and (mini)reviews from experts in the field. The next decade shows promise for the translation of this body of knowledge to novel human therapeutics and this eBook will enable to increment our knowledge in this field.

This volume assembles and integrates the wealth of diverse information that is now accumulating in this burgeoning field. The existing and potential therapeutic applications of targeting CA cover a remarkably wide-range of diseases and disorders and have generated increasing and extensive interest in recent years. Its inter-disciplinary approach embraces both the most up-to-date therapeutic application of CA-targeting and the latest research data that will provide a platform for the development of novel applications. The interested audience comprises scientists and clinicians from many relevant disciplines within science and medicine.

Offering the comprehensive, authoritative information needed for effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of sick and premature infants, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, 6th Edition, is an invaluable resource for board review, clinical rounds, scientific research, and day-to-day practice. This trusted two-volume text synthesizes recent advances in the field into definitive guidance for today’s busy practitioner, focusing on the basic science needed for exam preparation and key information required for full-time practice. It stands alone as the most complete text available in this complex and fast-changing field, yet is easy to use for everyday application. Offers definitive guidance on how to effectively manage the many health problems seen in newborn and premature infants. Contains new chapters on Pathophysiology of Genetic Neonatal Disease, Genetic Variants and Neonatal Disease, and Developmental Biology of Lung Stem Cells, as well as significantly revised chapters on Cellular Mechanisms of Neonatal Brain Injury, Neuroprotective Therapeutic Hypothermia, Enteric Nervous System Development and Gastrointestinal Motility, and Physiology of Twin-Twin Transfusion. Features 1,000 full-color diagrams, graphs and anatomic illustrations, 170+ chapters, and more than 350 global contributors. Includes chapters devoted to clinical correlation that help explain the implications of fetal and neonatal physiology, as well as clinical applications boxes throughout. Provides summary boxes at the end of each chapter and extensive cross-referencing between chapters for quick reference and review. Allows you to apply the latest insights on genetic therapy, intrauterine infections, brain protection and neuroimaging, and much more.