As many as one in four adults in the workforce will suffer from psychiatric illness in a given year. Such illness can have serious consequences -- job loss, lawsuits, workplace violence yet the effects of mental health issues on job functioning are rarely covered in clinical training. In addition, clinicians are often asked to provide opinions on an employee s fitness for work or an evaluation for disability benefits, only to find themselves embroiled in complex legal and administrative conflicts. A unique collaboration between a renowned clinical professor of psychiatry and a noted legal expert, Evaluating Mental Health Disability in the Workplace approaches the topic from two distinct areas: the legal context and issues relevant to disability and disability-related evaluations, and the interplay of factors in the relationship between work and psychiatric illness. From this dual perspective, the authors advocate for higher professional standards ensuring that employers, evaluees, or third parties are provided with the most reliable information.

Key features of the book:

• A robust assessment model of psychological disability in the workplace
• Practice guidelines for conducting workplace mental health disability evaluations
• Legal and ethical aspects of employment evaluations, especially as they differ from clinical procedure
• Examination of the process of psychiatric disability development
• Issues specific to evaluations for Social Security, Workers Compensation, and other disability benefit programs
• Review of relevant administrative and case law.

As an introduction to these complex issues or for the further improvement of evaluation skills, Evaluating Mental Health Disability in the Workplace is a timely reference for psychiatrists, psychologists, forensic mental health specialists, and attorneys in this field."

Computational intelligence techniques are gaining momentum in the medical prognosis and diagnosis. This volume presents advanced applications of machine intelligence in medicine and bio-medical engineering. Applied methods include knowledge bases, expert systems, neural networks, neuro-fuzzy systems, evolvable systems, wavelet transforms, and specific internet applications. The volume is written in view of explaining to the practitioner the fundamental issues related to computational intelligence paradigms and to offer a fast and friendly-managed introduction to the most recent methods based on computer intelligence in medicine.

Medical image technologies play a significant role in visualization and interpretation methods in medical diagnosis and practice using decision making, pattern classification, diagnosis, and learning. Progressions in the field of medical imaging lead to interdisciplinary discovery in microscopic image processing and computer-assisted diagnosis systems, and aids physicians in the diagnosis and early detection of diseases. Histopathological Image Analysis in Medical Decision Making provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical applications of image technologies and feature extraction procedures within the medical field. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as image classification, digital image analysis, and prediction methods, this book is ideally designed for medical professionals, system engineers, medical students, researchers, and medical practitioners seeking current research on problem-oriented processing techniques in imaging technologies.

Complex disorders of the carbohydrate metabolism and associated complications cause many abnormalities detectable by radiography in the bones and joints. Mild clinical symptoms associated with very severe radiological changes were first rec ognized in relation to the gastroenterologic complications of diabetes. This phenomenon is more frequent in the skeletal system. For example, mild and painless swelling of the foot joints may often mask extremely severe bone destruction. Several other bone changes associated with diabetes are only detectable by radiography. Thus, the radiologist plays an important role in confirming these diabetic complications, furthermore he is involved in the therapeutic management of the patient. Although many details on this subject have been published, however no summarizing monograph has yet appeared. Manuals discussing diabetes include only short reviews on complications of the osseous system. The fact that the incidence of diabetes is very high, at present 1 %-2 % of the population is affected and their number is gradually increasing - dis plays the timeliness of this subject. Fifty years of experience with insulin therapy indicates that several important problems still remain to be solved. Insulin and modern oral antidia betic drugs proved extremely efficient in the management of hyperglycemia and ketosis, but the incidence of other complications has not decreased. Moreover, as the number of diabetics and their life expectancy increase, late complications become likewise more fre quent. Diabetic osteoarthropathy is one of these complications.

Essentials of Cardiovascular Examination highlights common mistakes made in cardiovascular examination. The book provides a solid foundation of clinical knowledge for the beginner, and an excellent reference guide for the experienced clinician. Divided into 53 chapters across four sections, the book begins with guidance on approach to the patient, including cardiac history, general examination, and the anatomy of the heart and coronary circulation. The second section covers the cardiovascular system in detail, with topics including pulse, blood pressure, and percussion of the heart. The third section covers diseases relating to the cardiovascular system, ranging from congenital heart disease to ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias. The final section covers different investigations of the cardiovascular system, including the electrocardiogram, non-invasive imaging, stress tests and cardiac catheterisation. With 70 images, illustrations and information tables, Essentials of the Cardiovascular System covers anatomy and physiology, physical diagnosis of all common cardiovascular diseases, their investigation and treatment, making this an ideal resource for students preparing for examinations. Key Points Concise guide to anatomy, physiology, physical diagnosis of diseases, investigation and treatment 70 illustrations, images and information tables Ideal for students preparing for examinations Excellent reference guide for experienced clinicians

Handbook of Biomedical Image Analysis: Segmentation Models (Volume I) is dedicated to the segmentation of complex shapes from the field of imaging sciences using different mathematical techniques. This volume is aimed at researchers and educators in imaging sciences, radiological imaging, clinical and diagnostic imaging, physicists covering different medical imaging modalities, as well as researchers in biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, algorithmic development, computer vision, signal processing, computer graphics and multimedia in general, both in academia and industry . Key Features: - Principles of intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) - Principles of positron emission tomography (PET) - Physical principles of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). - Basic and advanced level set methods - Shape for shading method for medical image analysis - Wavelet transforms and other multi-scale analysis functions - Three dimensional deformable surfaces - Level Set application for CT lungs, brain MRI and MRA volume segmentation - Segmentation of incomplete tomographic medical data sets - Subjective level sets for missing boundaries for segmentation

A comprehensive description of macroscopic, microscopic, and radiological methods for the diagnosis of bone diseases. The book presents all the procedures involved in diagnosis, using not only radiological and histological techniques, but also modern immunohistochemical and scintigraphic methods. Succinct and well-structured therapeutic recommendations are provided for an array of bone diseases, making this a practice-oriented reference work for pathologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, and orthopedists.

MRCP PACES: 180 Clinical Cases offers a wealth of practice cases covering a wide range of topics for trainees preparing for the MRCP PACES exam. Chapters are mapped to the syllabus, and feature a unique signs and symptoms framework to provide structured revision in each clinical specialty. Presented in a clear layout, this book has been explicitly designed from the candidate's perspective, to enable trainees to approach clinical cases confidently and maximise chances of exam success. Provides model answers and invaluable suggestions to impress examiners and achieve the highest marks 180 clinical cases, covering the breadth of topics and skills tested in the exam Addresses every aspect of the exam, including the toughest component, Station 5 Highly illustrated to augment concise descriptions and enhance learning Complements MRCP Part 1: 400 BOFs and MRCP Part 2: 450 BOFs - the complete MRCP revision package

Many young, inexperienced doctors, have difficultly pinpointing a diagnosis: Is it a condition to which certain diseases could belong, or a disease definable in line with certain criteria? How can I apply my basic knowledge of diseases to a real patient? How can I find the correct diagnosis for a disease that I am seeing for the very first time? The traditional diagnostic pathways conveyed by current methods of teaching, from visual identification of the disease, knowledge of diseases, understanding of symptoms or patterns to diagnosis, leave certain diagnostic questions unanswered, especially on first experience of such a clinical pattern. Syndrome-based Approach to Diagnosis: A Practical Guide offers lecturers an alternative training concept in their teaching, which provides students with a model for self-study as well as the educational tools for learning how to think in clinical terms.

This book covers the latest developments in rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology with applications in clinical diagnostic tests and molecular medicine. Topics covered include new enzymes useful in RCA, techniques involving RCA for enhanced signal amplification, novel RCA diagnostics, sensors for expediting RCA detection, and prospective RCA-based therapeutics. This is a valuable book for university professors and students in the field of biomedical engineering and biomolecular pharmacology as well as R&D managers of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Specifically, this book: Reviews prospective RCA-based therapeutics, including RCA-derived DNA nanoparticles that strongly bind to cancer cells Expands readers' understanding of sensor systems for expediting detection of RCA products by using probe-tagged magnetic nanobeads Maximizes reader insights into novel RCA diagnostics, such as PNA openers-assisted RCA for detection of single target cells and in situ RCA diagnosis of cancer cells and malignant tissues Presents innovative methods for quasi-exponential enhancement of RCA-generated signals, such as nicking enzyme-assisted cascade RCA and RCA coupled with loop-mediated amplification Advance Praise for Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA): "This book provides a badly needed compendium of innovative RCA methods and applications. It should help further increase the community of scientists that have employed RCA in research and diagnostic programs."- Charles Cantor, Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Executive Director, Retrotope Inc. (USA) "In this new book Vadim Demidov has assembled an enticing menu of articles that illustrate the evolution of the RCA field, including improved protein parts for building superior DNA nanomachines, enhanced modalities of amplification and detection, diagnostic applications, and even a sampling of potential therapeutic applications. The reader will appreciate that while RCA has come of age, there is no lack of exciting surprises, turns, and twists in the continuing evolution of the technology."- Paul Lizardi, Professor of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine (retired) Investigator, University of Granada, Spain, President, PetaOmics, Inc., San Marcos, Texas.

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This represents the third volume in a series on cancer markers pub- lished by the Humana Press. The first volume, published in 1980, stressed the relationship of development and cancer as reflected in the production of markers by cancer that are also produced by normal cells during fetal development. The concept that cancer represents a problem of differentiation was introduced by Barry Pierce in describing differenti- ation of teratocarcinomas. Highlighted were lymphocyte markers, alphafetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, ectopic hormones, enzymes and isozymes, pregnancy proteins, and fibronectin. The second volume, published in 1982 and coedited with Britta Wahren, focused on the diagnostic use of oncological markers in human cancers, which were systematically treated on an organ by organ basis. At that time, the application of monoclonal antibodies to the identification of cancer markers was still in a very preliminary stage. A general introduc- tion to monoclonal antibodies to human tumor antigens was given there by William Raschke, and other authors included coverage of those mark- ers then detectable by monoclonal antibodies in their chapters.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful and rapid tool for performing complex analyses of a number of different molecular species ranging from small inorganic ions to large nucleic acid fragments and proteins. It is quickly becoming established as a useful tool in clinical medicine due to its consumption of minute samples (less than a microlitre), low reagent costs, and extreme sensitivity, depending upon the source of detection used. Clinical Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis aims to give an in-depth manual of CE applications in several important areas of clinical science. Divided into seven sections, this volume provides a brief overview of how CE has been applied in clinical settings, followed by several chapters on CE analysis of important diagnostic molecules and biofluids, as well as descriptions of applications in clinical chemistry, hematology, bacteriology, virology, disease-associated biomarker discovery, immunology and genetic analysis. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Clinical Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis seeks to serve as a valuable source of information not only for clinical pathologists, but also clinical scientists who wish to apply the technique to diagnosis and research.

John R. Petersen and Amin A. Mohammad, along with a panel of leading basic and clinical investigators, review those CE methods that are now replacing many routine serum and blood tests in clinical and forensic laboratories. Major areas reviewed include the coating of columns; the analysis of serum, urine, and CSF proteins and paraproteins; abnormal hemoglobins and hemoglobin Alc; peptides, amino and organic acids; therapeutic drugs; drugs of abuse; viral load; and short tandem repeats (STR). The methods discussed include capillary zone, micellar, electrokinetic, capillary gel, and non-aqueous electrophoresis. Innovative and highly practical, Clinical and Forensic Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis demonstrates the power and versatility of CE-not only to develop new assays, but also to markedly simplify today's clinical and forensic laboratory methodology.

Systemic Method Mark B. Mengel, M. D. , M. P. H. Learning Objectives 3 The Biomedical Model 6 A New Framework: The Systemic Patient-Centered Method 9 Physician Roles Patient Roles 22 Patient-Centered Clinical Decision-Making Data Base Responding to Patient Cues Constructing a Mutually Agreeable Plan The Systemic Patient-Centered Method: Other Concerns Changing Larger Systems Ethics of the Systemic Patient-Centered Method Efficacy of the Systemic Patient-Centered Method 32 Safety of the Systemic Patient-Centered Method Conclusion Cases for Discussion Recommended Readings XV 36 34 32 32 31 30 30 27 25 23 16 10 Patient-Centered The 1: Chapter !iiiii!i !ili !iil !i!i !iii !iii iiii !iiiii!i !iii !iil !iii!ii! !i!i!iiiiiii !i!i !i!i!iil ii!i !i!i !iii iiii!iiiiiii !ill !i!i!iii !iii !i!i !i!ilili!iii iiii !iil i!ii iili iii! i!ii ii!i i!ii iiii iiil iiiiiii! iiii iiiiii!iiiiiiiiiii!iiii!iiii iiii iiii ii!i iiiiii!i!i!iiiiiiiii !iii iiii iiiiiiiiii!i iiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiii!i iiii iiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiil iii!iiii iii! iiii iiii i!i! ilil iiii iiii iiii iiii iiii iiii iiii iiiiiiii iiii!iiiiiii iiii !iiiiiii iiii iiiiii!i iiii !iii !iiii!iii!i ii!i ii!i iiil iiii !i!i!iiiii!i!ill iiiiiiii! i!i iiii iili ii!i iiiiii!i iliiii!i iili iiiiiiiiiiililil iiii iiil ilil iliiiiiiiiiiiiii ilii ilii iiii iiii iiii iiii iiii iiiiiiii ilil i!il iiil iiii ii ii iiiiiiii iiiiiiii iiii !i !i!i !i!i !i!i !i!i !i!i !i!i !i!i !i!i !ill !i!i !i!iii!iii!i !i!i !i!i !!ii !iil !iii !iii !iii !i!i iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!iii!i ililili! iii iiii iiii iiiil iii iiiil iiii iiii iiii xvi Part II.

Leading practitioners from the University of Pennsylvania review all aspects of heart failure diagnosis and management, with a particular emphasis on office-based/ambulatory care. Following the problem-solving steps used in an office-based practice, the authors provide extensive coverage of the presenting signs and symptoms of heart failure, as well as the tools with which to evaluate left-ventricular function, hemodynamics, and exercise performance. They also discuss the complex, evidenc-based therapeutic options for treating patients with dyspnea, fatigue, or edema, following the new ACC/AHA heart failure guidelines that are specifically and directed at targeted symptoms.

The aim of this book is to help the reader achieve the correct diagnosis in the emergency setting, which continues to remain a challenge, given the variety of potential clinical presentations. Diagnostic failure is the largest reason for delays in provision of appropriate treatment, which can be life-saving, and the largest source of clinical complaints and untoward incidents leading to poor clinical outcomes and to litigation. In this book, the readers will find diagnostic checklists, organised according to potential emergency presentations and classified under body systems, including atypical presentations, lists of differential diagnoses and guidance to pattern recognition. Apart from providing an aide-memoire for a range of presentations, it is hoped that the book will allow for better quality and informed referrals, especially between health care providers. This book is aimed as a rapid reference guide for all levels of medical staff working in emergency and acute care settings in the English-speaking world, but may also benefit nursing professionals and medical students.

The healthcare industry is predominantly moving towards affordable, accessible, and quality health care. All organizations are striving to build communication compatibility among the wide range of devices that have operated independently. Recent developments in electronic devices have boosted the research in the medical imaging field. It incorporates several medical imaging techniques and achieves an important goal for health improvement all over the world. Despite the significant advances in high-resolution medical instruments, physicians cannot always obtain the full amount of information directly from the equipment outputs, and a large amount of data cannot be easily exploited without a computer. Machine Learning and AI Techniques in Interactive Medical Image Analysis discusses how clinical efficiency can be improved by investigating the different types of intelligent techniques and systems to get more reliable and accurate diagnostic conclusions. This book further introduces segmentation techniques to locate suspicious areas in medical images and increase the segmentation accuracy. Covering topics such as computer-aided detection, intelligent techniques, and machine learning, this premier reference source is a dynamic resource for IT specialists, computer scientists, diagnosticians, imaging specialists, medical professionals, hospital administrators, medical students, medical technicians, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

The term "electrophoresis" was first used by Michaelis in 1909, to - scribe the migration of colloids in an electric field. The first practical elect- phoresis method was described by Tiselius in 1937. He used a U-tube filled with buffer layered on top of sample; migration could be monitored using Schlieren optics. In zone electrophoresis, the U-tube was replaced by paper, a support material employed simply to prevent or minimize diffusion of ions, so that ions applied in a narrow strip to the paper will separate and remain as relatively discrete zones. Paper was superceded by a variety of other media, - cluding cellulose acetate, hydrolyzed starch (starch gel), agarose, and polyacry- mide. The latter, in addition to being a support medium, has size-sieving properties. From the basic zone electrophoresis, other means of separation have been dev- oped. These include, isoelectric focusing, isotachophoresis, density gradient el- trophoresis, and various forms of immunoelectrophoresis. In some ways Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) has gone full circle back to the original method of Tiselius. In its simplest form, separations occur in a buffer solution within a glass (fused silica) tube and detection occurs as sample moves past an optical window. CE has rapidly developed into a technique that rivals HPLC in its versatility. All the classical electrophoretic separations-zone, IEF, and isotachophoresis-have their counterparts in CE. Excitingly so, and - thoritatively treated in Clinical Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis.

A resource for practitioners who in a managed care era need to focus their testing not on the general goals of personality assessment, symptom identification, and diagnosis so often presented to them as students and trainees, but on specific questions: What course of treatment should this person receive? How is it going? Was it effective?

In the next couple of years the human genome will be fully sequenced. This will provide us with the sequence and overall function of all human genes as well as the complete genome for many micro-organisms. Subsequently it is hoped, by means of powerful bioinformatic tools, to determine the gene variants that contribute to various multifactorial diseases and genes that exist in certain infectious agents but not humans. As a consequence, this will allow us to define the most appropriate levels for drug intervention. It can be expected that the number of potential drug targets will increase, possibly by a factor of 10 or more. Nevertheless, sequencing the human genome or, for that matter, the genome of other species will only be the starting point for the understanding of their biological function. Structural genomics is a likely follow-up, combined with new techniques to validate the therapeutic relevance of such newly discovered targets. Accordingly, it can be expected that in the near future we will witness a substantial increase in novel putative targets for drugs. To address these new targets effectively, we require new approaches and innovative tools. At present, two alternative, yet complementary, techniques are employed: experimental high-throughput screening (HTS) of large compound libraries, increasingly provided by combinatorial chemistry, and computational methods for virtual screening and de novo design. As kind of status report on the maturity of virtual screening as a technique in drug design, the first workshop on new approaches in drug design and discovery was held in March 1999, at Schloss Rauischholzhausen, near Marburg in Germany. More than 80 scientists gathered and discussed their experience with the different techniques. The speakers were invited to summarize their contributions together with their impressions on the present applicability of their approach. Several of the speakers followed this request which is summarized in this publication."