Proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium held in Vienna, Austria, September 6-12, 1997

Dehydroacetic Acid and Its Derivatives: Useful Synthons in Organic Synthesis outlines the use of DHA and its derivatives for the synthesis of pharmacologically active heterocyclic compounds. Beginning with an introduction to the chemistry and reactivity of Dehydroacetic Acid, the book goes on to outline the key ring transformation reactions of DHA. The synthesis of various derivatives is then discussed, before a wide range of metal complexes of DHA are explored in detail. The book then concludes with a review of DHA's biological importance and its impressive range of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and analgesic properties. For those researching the synthesis of bioactive heterocyclic compounds, this book is a valuable guide on the fundamental knowledge needed to facilitate and enhance the successful synthesis of lead molecules. - Gives detailed information on the underlying chemistry of Dehydroacetic acid and its derivatives - Highlights different approaches for the synthesis of derivatives, including metal complexes - Explores the biological importance of Dehydroacetic Acid

In October 1995, the 1st Colloquium on Mitochondria and Myopathies in Halle/Saale was organized in Halle/Saale by the editors of this focused issue. The meeting took up what might be called an East German tradition: from 1976 to 1990 Andreas Schmidt organized seven clinically orientated Colloquia on Myology in Jena, and from 1974 to 1990 a series of twelve Colloquia on Mitochondria focused on basic research aspects was arranged by Wolfgang Kunz in Magdeburg. At those meetings, East Germany was a mediator between East European, West European and American scientists. In continuation of this tradition, scientists from more than 17 countries working on mitochondria as neurologists, biochemists, geneticists, or as physiologists came to Halle. The title of the colloquium indicated the combination of both basic and clinical mitochondrial research. The most important contributions of this meeting are now published in this focused issue. We thank all authors for their patience and cooperation that have made it possible to produce this unique collection of papers representing current knowledge on detection of mitochondrial causes of diseases. We especially thank Prof. N.S. Dhalla for making it possible to publish these contributions together in this focused issue and also as a hard-cover book.

Written by internationally recognized leaders in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) research and practice, this exciting new book provides evidence-based, practical, useful information for anyone involved in HBOT. It outlines the physiologic principles that constitute the basis for understanding the clinical implications for treatment and describes recent advances and current research, along with new approaches to therapy. This book is an essential tool for anyone who cares for patients with difficult-to-heal wounds, wounds from radiation therapy, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more. Provides comprehensive coverage of pathophysiology and clinically relevant information so you can master the specialty. Covers the relevance of HBOT in caring for diverse populations including critical care patients, infants and pediatric patients, and divers. Features a section on the technical aspects of HBOT to provide insight into the technology and physics regarding HBO chambers. Presents evidence to support the effectiveness of HBOT as well as the possible side effects. Describes situations where HBOT would be effective through indication-specific chapters on chronic wounds, radiation and crush injuries, decompression sickness, and more.

This presentation describes various aspects of the regulation of tissue oxygenation, including the roles of the circulatory system, respiratory system, and blood, the carrier of oxygen within these components of the cardiorespiratory system. The respiratory system takes oxygen from the atmosphere and transports it by diffusion from the air in the alveoli to the blood flowing through the pulmonary capillaries. The cardiovascular system then moves the oxygenated blood from the heart to the microcirculation of the various organs by convection, where oxygen is released from hemoglobin in the red blood cells and moves to the parenchymal cells of each tissue by diffusion. Oxygen that has diffused into cells is then utilized in the mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of all cells. The mitochondria are able to produce ATP until the oxygen tension or PO2 on the cell surface falls to a critical level of about 4–5 mm Hg. Thus, in order to meet the energetic needs of cells, it is important to maintain a continuous supply of oxygen to the mitochondria at or above the critical PO2 . In order to accomplish this desired outcome, the cardiorespiratory system, including the blood, must be capable of regulation to ensure survival of all tissues under a wide range of circumstances. The purpose of this presentation is to provide basic information about the operation and regulation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as the properties of the blood and parenchymal cells, so that a fundamental understanding of the regulation of tissue oxygenation is achieved.

This book is based on an international symposium titled "Cytochrome oxidase in energy metabolism and Alzheimer's disease," held as a satellite to the 27th meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, New Orleans, 1997. The symposium was dedicated in honor of Dr. Margaret T. T. Wong-Riley because, in our opinion, the cytochrome oxidase histo chemical method introduced by Dr. Wong-Riley in 1979 was the most significant break through to map energy metabolism in the entire brain since the 2-deoxyglucose method introduced by Dr. Louis Sokoloff and colleagues in 1977. Both of these metabolic map ping techniques have made monumental contributions to brain research by allowing an integral view of brain activity. They have also developed into various specialized tech niques, including applications to the human brain. One of these new applications, which is described in detail in this book, is the quantitative cytochrome oxidase cytochemical method used to study Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this book is to describe the role of cytochrome oxidase in neuronal metabolism and Alzheimer's disease. Whether genetic or environmental, the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease involves a cascade of multiple intracellular events, eventually re sulting in failure of oxidative energy metabolism. Could impairment of cytochrome oxi dase in energy metabolism initiate the degenerative process? Cytochrome oxidase function and dysfunction are discussed in relationship to neuronal energy metabolism, neurodegen eration, and Alzheimer's disease. The book is made up of 10 chapters, divided into three major parts.