Signal transduction pathways are at the core of most biological processes and are critical regulators of heart physiology and pathophysiology. The heart is both a transmitter and dynamic receptor of a variety of intracellular and extracellular stimuli, playing a critical role of an integrator of diverse signaling mechanisms. Alterations in signaling pathways are contributing factors in the development and progression of a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from dysrhythmias and atherosclerosis to hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. Targeting specific components of these signaling pathways has been shown to be effective in preclinical studies with significant therapeutic impact. This book brings together current knowledge in cardiovascular cell signal transduction mechanisms, advances in novel therapeutic approaches to improve cardiac function, and discussion of future directions. Presented from a post-genomic perspective, this exciting book introduces important new ideas in cardiovascular systems biology. It is an invaluable reference for cardiology researchers and practitioners.

Ca2+ is a key second messenger in the intricate workings of the heart. In cardiac myocytes, Ca2+ signaling controls or modulates electrophysiological function, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile function, energy balance, cell death, and gene transcription. Thus, diverse Ca2+-dependent regulatory processes occur simultaneously within a cell. Yet, distinct signals can be resolved by local Ca2+ sensitive protein complexes and differential Ca2+ signal integration. In addition to its importance to normal cardiac function, such regulation is also crucial in disease conditions. Ca2+ is likely involved in ectopic cardiac rhythms in both atrial and ventricular tissues through generating triggered activity often appearing as delayed afterdepolarisations, particularly following cellular Ca overloading. Recent studies also implicate Ca2+ in Na+ channel expression and properties with consequences for conduction velocity and therefore arrhythmic substrate. At the cellular level, such regulation involves control of the activity of membrane ion channels and Ca2+ handling proteins. These in turn involve multiple extra- and intracellular signaling pathways. This e-book assembles review and original articles from experts in this field. It summarises major recent progress bearing on roles of Ca2+ in cardiac electrophysiological function encompassing both normal and abnormal cardiac function. These extend from physiological roles of Ca2+ signaling in pacemaker function, in particular generation of sino-atrial pacemaker potentials, to pathological roles of abnormal Ca2+ signaling in both atrial and ventricular arrhythmogenesis. It also seeks to bridge the gap between advances in basic science and development of new therapies.

Open a Window into the Autonomic Nervous SystemQuantifying the amount of autonomic nervous system activity in an individual patient can be extremely important, because it provides a gauge of disease severity in a large number of diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV) calculated from both short-term and longer-term electrocardiograms is an ideal win

In the second chapter, I present data showing that the precardiac mesoderm migration defect seen in mil mutant zebrafish embryos is due to a defect in the morphogenesis of the anterior endoderm, a tissue known to be required for migration of the precardiac mesoderm in zebrafish. Furthermore, I show that these endodermal defects cause craniofacial development defects in mil mutants.

This volume discusses membrane potential imaging in the nervous system and in the heart and modern optical recording technology. Additionally, it covers organic and genetically-encoded voltage-sensitive dyes; membrane potential imaging from individual neurons, brain slices, and brains in vivo; optical imaging of cardiac tissue and arrhythmias; bio-photonics modelling. This is an expanded and fully-updated second edition, reflecting all the recent advances in this field. Twenty chapters, all authored by leading names in the field, are cohesively structured into four sections. The opening section focuses on the history and principles of membrane potential imaging and lends context to the following sections, which examine applications in single neurons, networks, large neuronal populations and the heart. Topics discussed include population membrane potential signals in development of the vertebrate nervous system, use of membrane potential imaging from dendrites and axons, and depth-resolved optical imaging of cardiac activation and repolarization. The final section discusses the potential – and limitations – for new developments in the field, including new technology such as non-linear optics, advanced microscope designs and genetically encoded voltage sensors. Membrane Potential Imaging in the Nervous System and Heart is ideal for neurologists, electro physiologists, cardiologists and those who are interested in the applications and the future of membrane potential imaging.

Recent advancements and innovations in medical image and data processing have led to a need for robust and secure mechanisms to transfer images and signals over the internet and maintain copyright protection. The Handbook of Research on Information Security in Biomedical Signal Processing provides emerging research on security in biomedical data as well as techniques for accurate reading and further processing. While highlighting topics such as image processing, secure access, and watermarking, this publication explores advanced models and algorithms in information security in the modern healthcare system. This publication is a vital resource for academicians, medical professionals, technology developers, researchers, students, and practitioners seeking current research on intelligent techniques in medical data security.

Normal cardiovascular function requires the concerted action of many cell types, each capable of adaptive gene expression in response to developmental, physiological, and pathological cues. The genetic basis of cardiovascular function, development, and disease is an area of intense investigation, in the hope of significant insights into the heart and vessels? basic workings and improvements in diagnosis and therapy. This latest volume in a prestigious book series presents a remarkable survey of current progress in these efforts, through the contributions of over fifty of the world's leading investigators. Sections are devoted to angiogenesis, cardiogenesis, homeostasis, development, vascular biology, and cardiovascular repair and therapy. The book is an essential source of ideas, discoveries, and references for clinical scientists and physicians interested in basic cardiac biology, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.