This book highlights the latest research presented at the International Conference on Translational Medicine and Imaging (ICTMI) 2017. This event brought together the world's leading scientists, engineers and clinicians from a wide range of disciplines in the field of medical imaging. Bioimaging has continued to evolve across a wide spectrum of applications from diagnostics and personalized therapy to the mechanistic understanding of biological processes, and as a result there is ever-increasing demand for more robust methods and their integration with clinical and molecular data. This book presents a number of these methods.

Macroscopic cellular structures and functions are generally investigated using biological and biochemical approaches. But these methods are no longer adequate when one needs to penetrate deep into the small-scale structures and understand their functions. The cell is found to hold various physical structures, molecular machines, and processes that require physical and mathematical approaches to understand and indeed manipulate them. Disorders in general cellular compartments, perturbations in single molecular structures, drug distribution therein, and target specific drug-binding, etc. are mostly physical phenomena. This book will show how biophysics has revolutionized our way of addressing the science and technology of nanoscale structures of cells, and also describes the potential for manipulating the events that occur in them.

This book introduces readers to the principles of laser interaction with biological cells and tissues with varying degrees of organization. In addition to considering the problems of biomedical cell diagnostics, and modeling the scattering of laser irradiation of blood cells for biological structures (dermis, epidermis, vascular plexus), it presents an analytic theory based on solving the wave equation for the electromagnetic field. It discusses a range of mathematical modeling topics, including optical characterization of biological tissue with large-scale and small-scale inhomogeneities in the layers; heating blood vessels using laser irradiation on the outer surface of the skin; and thermo-chemical denaturation of biological structures based on the example of human skin. In this second edition, a new electrodynamic model of the interaction of laser radiation with blood cells is presented for the structure of cells and the in vitro prediction of optical properties. The approach developed makes it possible to determine changes in cell size as well as modifications in their internal structures, such as transformation and polymorphism nucleus scattering, which is of interest for cytological studies. The new model is subsequently used to calculate the size distribution function of irregular-shape particles with a variety of forms and structures, which allows a cytological analysis of the observed deviations from normal cells.

This book exclusively focuses on the science and fundamentals of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the core science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels, and pays particular attention to applications in the various research fields of biomedicine and engineering. Key topics addressed include: polysaccharide-based gels and their fundamentals; stimuli-responsive polymer gels; polymer gels applied to enzyme and cell immobilization; chitosan-based gels for cancer therapy; natural polymeric and gelling agents; radiation dosimetry; polymeric gels as vehicles for enhanced drug delivery across the skin; transport in and through gel; and polymer gel nanocomposites and functional gels. The book's extensive and highly topical coverage will appeal to researchers working in a broad range of fields in industry and academia alike.

This book presents a thorough discussion of the physics, biology, chemistry and medicinal science behind a new and important area of materials science and engineering: polymer nanocomposites. The tremendous opportunities of polymer nanocomposites in the biomedical field arise from their multitude of applications and their ability to satisfy the vastly different functional requirements for each of these applications. In the biomedical field, a polymer nanocomposite system must meet certain design and functional criteria, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties, and, in some cases, aesthetic demands. The content of this book builds on what has been learnt in elementary courses about synthesising polymers, different nanoparticles, polymer composites, biomedical requirements, uses of polymer nanocomposites in medicine as well as medical devices and the major mechanisms involved during each application. The impact of hybrid nanofillers and synergistic composite mixtures which are used extensively or show promising outcomes in the biomedical field are also discussed. These novel materials vary from inorganic/ceramic-reinforced nanocomposites for mechanical property improvement to peptide-based nanomaterials, with the chemistry designed to render the entire material biocompatible.

This book offers all countries a guide to implementing verification systems for medical devices to ensure they satisfy their regulations. It describes the processes, procedures and need for integrating medical devices into the legal metrology framework, addresses their independent safety and performance verification, and highlights the associated savings for national healthcare systems, all with the ultimate goal of increasing the efficacy and reliability of patient diagnoses and treatment. The book primarily focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices, and reflects the latest international directives and regulations. Above all, the book demonstrates that integrating medical devices into the legal metrology system and establishing a fully operational national laboratory for the inspection of medical devices could significantly improve the reliability of medical devices in diagnosis and patient care, while also reducing costs for the healthcare system in the respective country.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery for Lung Cancer Treatment" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This book delves into the biotechnological applications of Quorum sensing (QS)- a peculiar gene-regulatory process of some microorganisms. Quorum Sensing allows a large bacterial population to work together in a coordinated manner to carry out metabolic activities, which individual bacterium cannot. The different chapters describe how, associating bioremediation process with energy generation is an economical proposal, for reducing pollution and managing biowastes. The book discusses how QS can be exploited for biotechnological applications in generating bioproducts, bioenergy, bioremediation, biosensors, health and agricultural activities. It further highlights how QS is becoming an integral part of synthetic biology for genetic circuits for producing: (i) novel products, (ii) biosensors, (iii) bioactive molecules, etc. The book is divided into different sections for a clear understanding of the applicability of QS in, the Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Health sectors.

This book on cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) features three sections, Fundamental Science, Pre-Clinical and Translational Science, and Clinical Applications. In the Fundamental Science section, we will cover the spectrum of basic ECM science from ECM's role in development, biomechanical properties, cardiac ECM influence of cardiomyocyte biology, pathophysiology of ECM in heart disease, and ECM in tissue engineering. Section two, Preclinical and Translational Science, will discuss cardiac ECM technologies in the clinical pipeline including approaches to ECM as a therapeutic, animal models of cardiac research, tracking and imaging methods of cardiac ECM, and cGMP manufacturing and regulatory considerations for ECM based therapeutics. Finally, the third section, Clinical Applications, will highlight the clinical experience around cardiac ECM including therapeutic strategies targeting scar tissue in the heart, Clinical trial design and regulatory considerations, current human clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine and the role of pharmaceutical and biotech companies in the commercialization of ECM technologies for cardiovascular indications. This book provides a comprehensive review for basic and translational researchers as well as clinical practitioners and those involved in commercialization, regulatory and entrepreneurial activities.

Cell surface small molecules and macromolecules, such as members of cholesterol family (including steroid hormones), the glycolipid family (sphingolipids), the glycoprotein family (both N-linked and O-linked), and a vast array of other receptors have been shown to be involved in normal and abnormal cellular processes. The 11th International Symposium on Cell Surface Macromolecules, held in Mohali, India, in February 2017 provided a comprehensive update on the major advances in this area. Presenting selected contributions from this meeting, this book comprises 24 chapters, which provide in-depth analyses of data on the role of cell surface macromolecules in cellular function and their alterations associated with pathological conditions. It includes comprehensive research papers and critical overviews of the functional role of cell surface molecules, discussing topics such as biochemical, biophysical, and cell biological approaches to study cell membrane molecules, and metabolism of glycoconjugates.

This thesis presents the development of theranostic gold nanostars (GNS) for multimodality cancer imaging and therapy. Furthermore, it demonstrates that a novel two-pronged treatment, combining immune-checkpoint inhibition and GNS-mediated photothermal nanotherapy, can not only eradicate primary treated tumors but also trigger immune responses to treat distant untreated tumors in a mouse animal model. Cancer has become a significant threat to human health with more than eight million deaths each year, and novel methods for cancer management to improve patients' overall survival are urgently needed. The developed multifunctional GNS nanoprobe with tip-enhanced plasmonics in the near-infrared region can be combined with (1) surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), (2) two-photon photoluminescence (TPL), (3) X-ray computed tomography (CT), (4) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (5) positron emission tomography (PET), and (6) photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer imaging and treatment. The ability of the GNS nanoprobe to detect submillimeter intracranial brain tumors was demonstrated using PET scan - a superior non-invasive imaging modality - in a mouse animal model. In addition, delayed rechallenge with repeated cancer cell injection in cured mice did not lead to new tumor formation, indicating generation of a memorized immune response to cancer. The biocompatible gold nanostars with superior capabilities for cancer imaging and treatment have great potential for translational medicine applications.

This book highlights the latest advances in functional micro/nano imaging probes and their applications for biomedical imaging and therapy. Given the rapid emergence of transdisciplinary research and applications in materials, chemical probes and translational medicine in recent years, scientists in these areas are expected to keep up to date on the latest technologies and advances to promote comprehensive innovations. Addressing this need, the book presents recently introduced features, emerging techniques, and new strategies, complemented by detailed illustrations. Covering the status quo and offering an outlook on the future, it benefits all readers with an interest in functional materials, especially micro/nano imaging materials for biomedical imaging applications, providing them with both vital updates and inspiration for their own research.

This book introduces readers to the theory and practice of extrusion bio-printing of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The author emphasizes the fundamentals and practical applications of extrusion bio-printing to scaffold fabrication, in a manner particularly suitable for those who wish to master the subject matter and apply it to real tissue engineering applications. Readers will learn to design, fabricate, and characterize tissue scaffolds to be created by means of extrusion bio-printing technology.

This book presents the proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Radiation Safety & Security in Healthcare Services. The conference was held at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang on 19th-20th August 2017.

Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications looks at the synthesis, characterization and application of polysaccharide-based materials in a broad array of fields. The book discusses the role of polysaccharides in the preparation of hydrogels, the use of hydrogel-based green materials, and their applications in biomedical applications, drug delivery, water purification techniques, food industries, agricultural fields, and pharmaceuticals applications. Written by leading experts in this field, this book will be a valuable reference for scientists, academicians, researchers, technologists, consultants and policymakers.

This book discusses the development of various reliable scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging techniques for studying the distribution of biomarkers and nanomaterials in thin and thick animal samples, plant antioxidant (AO) defense systems, as well as human melanoma. The authors demonstrate that SECM could improve the diagnosis and understanding of different melanoma stages on the basis of highly resolved maps of the tyrosinase distribution. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme involved in fruit maturation and is a biomarker for melanoma. As such the book presents various tyrosinase SECM detection strategies developed for the analysis of the spatial distribution of tyrosinase in melanoma and in banana samples. It describes the first imaging of the redox active proteins within the entire mouse heart with an SECM system using a spider probe composed of eight independent microelectrodes. Further, it investigates distributions of injected graphene nanoribbons (GONRs) for drug delivery by Soft-Probe-SECM. Lastly, the book outlines a non-invasive electrochemical strategy for mapping the AO activity of apple peel using Soft-Probe-SECM.

Atrial Fibrillation from an Engineering Perspective provides an up-to-date overview of techniques developed for acquisition, modeling, and analysis of noninvasive, bioelectrical signals reflecting this common arrhythmia. Special emphasis is put on emerging technologies for monitoring of atrial fibrillation in connection with ischemic stroke, interventional ablation procedures, and pharmacological treatment, applications which all depend on the availability of techniques for detecting and characterizing episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Detectors exploring both rhythm and morphology are described, as well as detectors confined to rhythm and better suited for low power implementation. A wide variety of approaches to modeling and characterization of atrial activity are described, emanating from a statistical and deterministic starting points. This book is suitable for graduate students, researchers, and engineers who want a comprehensive treatise of atrial fibrillation from an engineering perspective. It may be used for self-study, as a supplement to courses in signal processing, or as a modern monograph by researchers in the field of atrial fibrillation.

This book covers the latest progress in the biology and manufacturing of orthopedic biomaterials, as well as key industry perspectives. Topics covered include the development of biomaterial-based medical products for orthopedic applications, anti-infection technologies for orthopedic implants, additive manufacturing of orthopedic implants, and more. This is an ideal book for graduate students, researchers and professionals working with orthopedic biomaterials and tissue engineering. This book also: Provides an industry perspective on technologies to prevent orthopedic implant related infection Thoroughly covers how to modulate innate inflammatory reactions in the application of orthopedic biomaterials Details the state-of-the-art research on 3D printed porous bone constructs

This book reviews stem cell behavior in the lung as it relates to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapeutics. Topics ranging from basic developmental mechanisms of various types of lung stem cells through the identification and properties of stem cell behavior and their potential applications in lung repair and regeneration, are discussed by an expert in the field. These discoveries are placed within the structural context of tissue and developmental biology in sections dealing with recent advances in understanding of developmental lung stem cell biology and behavior and their potential applications. Lung Stem Cell Behavior is essential reading for researchers in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, patient advocates, undergraduate students, graduate students, and clinicians interested in cellular therapy and tissue engineering therapies.

This book presents the design, development and field trials of radio frequency based wireless monitoring system for sleep apnoea patients. It contains 4 major areas including general background of wireless monitoring technology and MIMO in wireless body area network (WBAN), microwave hardware designs, virtual MIMO in WBAN and hardware system level implementation and field trials. At components level, this book presents the design theory, process and examples of bandpass filters, lowpass filters, low profile patch antennas, power amplifiers and oscillators which are the key elements in transducer designs in the body area network and cooperative communication wireless sensor network system. At system level, this book features the hardware integration, field trial and network coding techniques. This book also gives a presentation of virtual MIMO applications, e.g. MIMO implementation using FPGA, correlation coefficient measurement. The book will create impact in the fields of wireless monitoring technology in biomedical engineering, which have been growing exponentially.

This book reviews and discusses the development of self-assembled nanomaterials applied in biomedical fields. Based on self-assembled nanomaterial constructions, it highlights the mechanisms of the stimuli-response-induced assembly/disassembly and transformation. Moreover, it examines healthcare-related diseases, the applications of nanomaterials and therapy/detection strategies, providing readers with both a deeper understanding of the subject and inspirations for future research. The book is primarily intended for researchers and graduate students in the fields of material sciences and chemistry who wish to learn about the principles, methods, mechanisms and biomedical applications of self-assembled nanomaterials.

This book presents a comprehensive and unifying approach to analytical identification of material properties of biological materials. Focusing on depth-sensing indentation testing, pipette aspiration testing, and torsion of soft tissues, it discusses the following important aspects in detail: damping, adhesion, thickness effect, substrate effect, elastic inhomogeneity effect, and biphasic effect. This book is intended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers in the area of biomechanics as well as for biomedical engineers interested in contact problems and involved in inverse materials parameters prediction analysis.

This book addresses a range of synthesis and characterization techniques that are critical for tailoring and broadening the various aspects of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels. Topics covered include: synthesis and structure of physically/chemically cross-linked polymer-gels/polymeric nanogels; gel formation through non-covalent cross-linking; molecular design and characterization; polysaccharide-based polymer gels: synthesis, characterization, and properties; modified polysaccharide gels: silica-based polymeric gels as platforms for the delivery of pharmaceuticals; gel-based approaches in genomic and proteomic sciences; emulgels in drug delivery; and organogels. The book provides a cutting-edge resource for researchers and scientists working in various fields involving polymers, biomaterials, bio-nanotechnology and functional materials.

This book shows the various sandwich assays that are constructed from recognition molecules, such as antibodies, oligonucleotide sequences and aptamers, developed as a result of nano- and biotechnology advances. It consists of ten chapters presenting interesting examples of these assays, organized according to the type of analytic methods (colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical, etc.) and detected objects (protein, nucleic acid, small-molecule, ion, etc.). It also includes a chapter discussing the introduction of sandwich assays as biosensors for the detection of a range of targets. It is an interesting and useful resource for a wide readership in various fields of chemical science and nanotechnology.

Time delayed (lagged) variables are an inherent feature of biological/physiological systems. For example, infection from a disease may at first be asymptomatic, and only after a delay is the infection apparent so that treatment can begin.Thus, to adequately describe physiological systems, time delays are frequently required and must be included in the equations of mathematical models. The intent of this book is to present a methodology for the formulation and computer implementation of mathematical models based on time delay ordinary differential equations (DODEs) and partial differential equations (DPDEs). The DODE/DPDE methodology is presented through a series of example applications, particularly in biomedical science and engineering (BMSE). The computer-based implementation of the example models is explained with routines coded (programmed) in R, a quality, open-source scientific computing system that is readily available from the Internet. Formal mathematics is minimized, e.g., no theorems and proofs. Rather, the presentation is through detailed examples that the reader/researcher/analyst can execute on modest computers. The DPDE analysis is based on the method of lines (MOL), an established general algorithm for PDEs, implemented with finite differences. The example applications can first be executed to confirm the reported solutions, then extended by variation of the parameters and the equation terms, and even the forumulation and use of alternative DODE/DPDE models. * Introduces time delay ordinary and partial differential equations (DODE/DPDEs) and their numerical computer-based integration (solution) * Illustrates the computer implementation of DODE/DPDE models with coding (programming) in R, a quality, open-source scientific programming system readily available from the Internet * Applies DODE/DPDE models to biological/physiological systems through a series of examples * Provides the R routines for all of the illustrative applications through a download link * Facilitates the use of the models with reasonable time and effort on modest computers