Neurotoxins

Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.

Toxicologists seek to better understand the myriad of mechanisms responsible for neurotoxins. Because the incidence of neurobehavioral hazards and risks of exogenous compounds (e.g., natural toxins, synthetic molecules, and therapeutic agents) remain a subject matter of interest, predictive tools have evolved, including but not limited to novel translational in vitro models, biomarkers, newer epidemiological research tools, and well-accepted best practices for diagnosing neurotoxins in clinical practice. Taken together, the foreseen need to highlight some of the more appreciated and/or emerging tactical approaches in neurotoxicology results in a "one-stop reference" book, Neurotoxins.

The exquisite simplicity and potency of toxins have made them valuable probes of neural systems. This book presents a comprehensive compilation of techniques used for the preparation, handling, and, particularly, for the use of neurotoxins. Model systems are described in which these neurotoxins have been extremely valuable in developing an understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of secretion and electrophysiological events leading to altered cell function. Convenient benchtop format Methods presented for easy adaptation to new systems A virtual "A-B-C" of commonly used and available toxins Comprehensive protocols included for the use of alpha toxin, apamin, batrachotoxin; botulina toxin, bungarotoxin; channel ligands: agonists and antagonists; capsaicin; charybdotoxin, ciguatoxin; Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin; cholera toxin (choleragen); conotoxin; dendrotoxin; endothelin; fasciculin; geographutoxin; latrotoxin; natural toxins; neosurgatoxin; palytoxin; pertussis toxin; resiniferatoxin; sarafotoxin; scorpion toxin; snake venom toxins

Neurotoxicity of Nanomaterials and Nanomedicine presents an overview of the exciting research in neurotoxicity and nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have been extensively used in medicine, including diagnosis probes, drug carriers, and embedded materials. While some have been approved for clinical use, most nanomaterials are waiting to be transferred from lab to clinic. However, the toxicity is a main barrier that restricts the translation. This comprehensive book includes chapters on the most commonly used individual nanoparticles, with information on the applications, neurotoxicity, and related mechanisms of each, providing the most in-depth and current information available. The book examines the pathways that nanomaterials enter into, and eliminate, from the brain, along with the strategies that could reduce the neurotoxicity of nanomaterials. Providing a background to the subject, detailed information, and ideas for future directions in research, the book is essential for students and researchers in toxicology, and for those in medicine, neurology, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science, and materials science who are researching nanomaterials. Presents a thorough discussion of the most common nanoparticles in the brain and their neurotoxicology Includes the most common nanoparticles, their applications, and mechanisms Provides one of the first books to focus on nanomedicine and neurotoxicity

Interest in the history of neurological science has increased significantly during the last decade, but the significance of war has been overlooked in related research. In contrast, this book highlights war as a factor of progress in neurological science. Light is shed on this little-known topic through accounts given by neurologists in war, experiences of soldiers suffering from neurological diseases, and chapters dedicated to neurology in total and contemporary war. Written by experts, the contributions in this book focus on the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, World Wars I and II, and recent conflicts such as Vietnam or Afghanistan. Comprehensive yet concise and accessible, this book serves as a fascinating read for neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, historians, and anyone else interested in the history of neurology.

Botulinum Neurotoxin and Tetanus Toxin covers the mechanism of action, pathogenesis, and treatment of clostridial neurotoxins. The book is organized into four parts encompassing 18 chapters that discuss the origin, structure, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, assays, and clinical issues of botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins. The introductory part of the book discusses the discovery and production of neurotoxins in various strains of Clostridium bacteria. This text also describes how specific bacteriophages and plasmids mediate the pathogenicity of some types of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani. The subsequent part provides an overview of issues related to toxin binding, including toxins that may serve as models for botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins. Discussions on the peripheral and central aspects of poisoning transport in the central nervous system and on the antagonistic drugs for clostridial neurotoxins are provided. The third part of the book addresses the antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin. Bioassay in mice and highly sensitive immunoassays, such as reversed passive hemagglutination, reversed passive latex agglutination, radioimmunoassay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, are presented. The concluding part covers the animal models for these toxins and discusses the diagnosis and treatment of botulism and tetanus in human. The clinical use of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A in ocular and neuromuscular disease is also examined. This book will be of value to protein chemists, microbiologists, virologists, pharmacologists, immunologists, and clinicians.

This book offers a detailed, practical guide to incorporating minimally invasive cosmetic surgery into dental practice. Chapters thoroughly examine all aspects of using these materials in practice, and present step-by-step techniques for injecting and placing neurotoxins and fillers, with specific recommendations for product selection and in-depth information on case management. Anatomical drawings and clinical photographs depict the procedures and concepts described. From patient evaluation, treatment planning, and product selection to techniques, managing complications, and marketing the service, Neurotoxins and Fillers in Facial Esthetic Surgery provides a complete resource for using these techniques in practice. Coverage encompasses facial anatomy, neurotoxins, cosmetic fillers, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, Radiesse™ calcium hydroxylapatite injectable filler, pearls and pitfalls, and how to build your practice. Offers a complete but easy-to-use-reference on all aspects of how to set up a minimally invasive cosmetic facial surgery service within an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice Surveys the range of products available in detail from an objective viewpoint Presents how-to techniques for injecting and placing neurotoxins and fillers Neurotoxins and Fillers in Facial Esthetic Surgery is an essential reference for any oral and maxillofacial surgeon or general dentist wishing to add minimally invasive cosmetic surgery to their repertoire.