This book will bring together leading international experts to discuss recent advances in basic scientific knowledge regarding the regulation of presynaptic Ca2+ channels. Importantly, Ca2+ channels represent one of the most widely modulated proteins in the body, being the target of a range of effector pathways and drugs; this range will be fully represented here. A number of therapeutic drugs target the Ca2+ channel complex, including the anti-epileptic gabapentinoid and analgesic ziconotide drugs and the pharmaceutical industry is searching for Ca2+ channel blocking drugs, particularly in the pain, epilepsy, ataxia and migraine areas. Such potential future therapies will be discussed here. Scientific disciplines will focus on electrophysiological studies, but will extend to neuroscience, genetics and biochemical areas. The work described will represent advances at the cutting edge of current neuroscience research and is timely and highly appropriate for the Springer book series.

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.

The medical device and drug industries standards in analytical methodology and are consistently among the strongest techno- quality control. logical performers. Materials are a key The users of Biomaterials Engineering ingredient in their dynamic growth. Devel- and Devices: Human Applications will r- opment of these materials is in a constant resent a broad base of backgrounds ranging state of activity, with the challenge of re- from the basic sciences (e. g. , polymer placing old materials that cannot withstand chemistry and biochemistry) to more the tests of time, and the new materials' applied disciplines (e. g. , mechanical/ needs coming to the forefront in modern chemical engineering, orthopedics, and applications. This new reference text, pharmaceutics). To meet varied needs, each Biomaterials Engineering and Devices: chapter provides clear ancd fully detailed Human Applications, focuses on materials discussions. This in-depth, but practical, used in or on the human body-materials coverage should also assist recent indu- that define the world of "biomaterials. " ees to the biomaterials circle. The editors Biomaterials Engineering and Devices: trust that this reference textbook conveys Human Applications focuses on mate- the intensity of this fast moving field in an rials development and characterization. enthusastic presentation. Chapters deal with issues in the selection of Donald L. Wise, PHD proper biomaterials from biocompatibility Debra J. Trantolo, PHD to biostability to structure/function relation- Kai-Uwe Lewandrowski, MD ships. Chapters also focus on the use of Joseph D. Gresser, PHD specific biomaterials based on their physio- Mario V.

Implementation of Smart Healthcare Systems using AI, IoT, and Blockchain provides imperative research on the development of data fusion and analytics for healthcare and their implementation into current issues in a real-time environment. While highlighting IoT, bio-inspired computing, big data, and evolutionary programming, the book explores various concepts and theories of data fusion, IoT, and Big Data Analytics. It also investigates the challenges and methodologies required to integrate data from multiple heterogeneous sources, analytical platforms in healthcare sectors. This book is unique in the way that it provides useful insights into the implementation of a smart and intelligent healthcare system in a post-Covid-19 world using enabling technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and blockchain in providing transparent, faster, secure and privacy preserved healthcare ecosystem for the masses.

This book compiles and explores cutting-edge research in degenerative skeletal disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathy, and new stem-cell based therapies and gene replacement therapy. Twelve expertly-authored chapters navigate the nuances of these treatments in an array of contexts and biological systems. The topics covered include: How are urine cells from a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy transformed into beating heart cells? What can reprogrammed cells tell us about heart muscle failure? What do gene mutations mean for those born with a muscle disease? How are manufacturing methods applied to human stem cells? Does therapeutic exercise benefit those patients who receive engineered limb muscle? Is there practical advice about nutrition to enhance muscle function for the Duchenne patient? Can microRNAs be useful to regenerate diseased muscle? Regenerative Medicine for Degenerative Muscle Diseases is ideal for scientists and clinicians from varying disciplines in genetics, cell biology, virology, cell-based manufacturing, rehabilitation medicine, nutrition, veterinary medicine and neurosurgery. The reader will see how transformative changes occur in medicine that can powerfully impact the future for patients suffering from inherited disorders affecting muscles of the body, including the heart.

The study of electrochemical nanotechnology has emerged as researchers apply electrochemistry to nanoscience and nanotechnology. These two related volumes in the Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry Series review recent developments and breakthroughs in the specific application of electrochemistry and nanotechnology to biology and medicine. Internationally renowned experts contribute chapters that address both fundamental and practical aspects of several key emerging technologies in biomedicine, such as the processing of new biomaterials, biofunctionalization of surfaces, characterization of biomaterials, discovery of novel phenomena and biological processes occurring at the molecular level.

This book covers the latest results in the field of risk analysis. Presented topics include probabilistic models in cancer research, models and methods in longevity, epidemiology of cancer risk, engineering reliability and economical risk problems. The contributions of this volume originate from the 5th International Conference on Risk Analysis (ICRA 5). The conference brought together researchers and practitioners working in the field of risk analysis in order to present new theoretical and computational methods with applications in biology, environmental sciences, public health, economics and finance.

#10 on Amazon Charts, USA Today Bestseller "This book is my best attempt to tell the truth about my research, the culture in science today which is hostile to new ideas, and what science can really do if allowed to pursue promising areas of inquiries."-Dr. Judy Mikovits, PhD This is a story for anybody interested in the peril and promise of science at the very highest levels in our country. On July 22, 2009, a special meeting was held with twenty-four leading scientists at the National Institutes of Health to discuss early findings that a newly discovered retrovirus was linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), prostate cancer, lymphoma, and eventually neurodevelopmental disorders in children. When Dr. Judy Mikovits finished her presentation, the room was silent for a moment, then one of the scientists said, "Oh my God!" The resulting investigation would be like no other in science. For Dr. Mikovits, a twenty-year veteran of the National Cancer Institute, this was the midpoint of a five-year journey that would start with the founding of the Whittemore-Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease at the University of Nevada, Reno, and end with her as a witness for the federal government against her former employer, Harvey Whittemore, for illegal campaign contributions to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. On this journey Dr. Mikovits would face the scientific prejudices against CFS, wander into the minefield that is autism, and through it all struggle to maintain her faith in God and the profession to which she had dedicated her life.

Prediction models are important in various fields, including medicine, physics, meteorology, and finance. Prediction models will become more relevant in the medical field with the increase in knowledge on potential predictors of outcome, e.g. from genetics. Also, the number of applications will increase, e.g. with targeted early detection of disease, and individualized approaches to diagnostic testing and treatment. The current era of evidence-based medicine asks for an individualized approach to medical decision-making. Evidence-based medicine has a central place for meta-analysis to summarize results from randomized controlled trials; similarly prediction models may summarize the effects of predictors to provide individu- ized predictions of a diagnostic or prognostic outcome. Why Read This Book? My motivation for working on this book stems primarily from the fact that the development and applications of prediction models are often suboptimal in medical publications. With this book I hope to contribute to better understanding of relevant issues and give practical advice on better modelling strategies than are nowadays widely used. Issues include: (a) Better predictive modelling is sometimes easily possible; e.g. a large data set with high quality data is available, but all continuous predictors are dich- omized, which is known to have several disadvantages.

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.

Affecting over a hundred million individuals worldwide, retinal diseases are among the leading causes of irreversible visual impairment and blindness, and appropriate study models, especially animal models, are essential to furthering our understanding of the etiology, pathology, and progression of these endemic diseases. In Animal Models for Retinal Diseases, recognized experts in the field highlight valuable techniques as well as animal models for the prominent retinal diseases in order to aid in the evaluation, development, and improvement of therapeutic strategies. Beginning with an overview of the morphology of the retina, visual behavior, and genetics and genomics approaches for retinal research, the book continues by covering animal models for the research of specific human retinal diseases, e.g., retinal degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinal ischemia, and retinal inflammation. As a volume in the successful Neuromethods series, the chapters provide authoritative reviews of the most commonly used approaches in the field. Vital and easy to use, Animal Models for Retinal Diseases serves to support the important future research of ocular investigators, ophthalmologists, and neuroscientists currently delving into this fascinating field of study.

In the approach to the analysis of disease, including, of course, cancer, two major thrusts may be distinguished. These may be referred to, in shorthand, as agents and processes: the causative agents (chemical, microbial, physical, environmental, and psychosocial) and the organismic processes, initiated and furthered by the agents, culminating in observable pathology (at the macromolecular, cytological, histological, organ function, locomotor, and behavioral levels). The past 25 years, since the appearance of the first volume of the predecessor series (1) authored by the Editors of this present volume, have seen an impressive number of studies on chemicals (and other agents) as etiologic factors in the induction of cancer. The major emphasis has been on the discovery of many chemical carcinogens of widely different structures, their metabolism by various tissues and cells, and, in turn, their molecular-biochemical effects on the cells. This rapidly expanded body of information, as effectively covered in the predecessor volumes, is an excellent entree to the second half of the overall problem of chemical carcinogenesis, the processes. The active agents trigger a large array of molecular-biochemical alterations to which the target cells, target tissues, and target organisms respond in many select and common ways. This second major aspect of the induction of cancer by chemicals (and by other agents)- the sequence of cellular and tissue changes clearly relevant to cancer-remains the challenge for the future.

The goal of tissue engineering is to repair or replace tissues and organs by delivering implanted cells, scaffolds, DNA, proteins, and/or protein fragments at surgery. Tissue engineering merges aspects of engineering and biology, and many rapid achievements in this field have arisen in part from significant advances in cell and molecular biology. Functional Tissue Engineering addresses the key issues in repairing and replacing load-bearing structures effectively. What are the thresholds of force, stress, and strain that normal tissues transmit or encounter? What are the mechanical properties of these tissues when subjected to expected in vivo stresses and strains, as well as under failure conditions? Do tissue engineered repairs and replacements need to exactly duplicate the structure and function of the normal tissue or organ? When developing these implants in culture, how do physical factors such as mechanical stress regulate cell behavior in bioreactors as compared to signals experienced in vivo? And finally, can tissue engineers mechanically stimulate these implants before surgery to produce a better repair outcome? Chapters written by well-known researchers discuss these matters and provide guidelines and a summary of the current state of technology. Functional Tissue Engineering will be useful to students and researchers as it will remind tissue engineers of the clinical importance of restoring function to damaged tissue and structures. Further, the book clarifies the identification of critical structural and mechanical requirements needed for each construct. Functional Tissue Engineering also provides an invaluable resource to help tissue engineers incorporate these functional criteria into the design, manufacture, and optimization of tissue engineered products. Finally it serves as a reference and teaching text for the rapidly increasing population of students and investigators in the field of tissue engineering.

"Mycobacterium tuberculosis" is one of the most notorious pathogens on earth, causing the death of approximately 1.5 million people annually. A major problem in the fight against tuberculosis is the emergence of strains that have acquired resistance to all available antibiotics. One key to the success of "M. tuberculosis" as a pathogen is its ability to circumvent host immune responses at different levels. This is not only a result of the special makeup of "M. tuberculosis" in terms of genetic diversity and DNA metabolism and its possession of specialized secretion systems, but also of its ability to hijack the host s innate immune defence mechanisms.

In this volume, researchers from different disciplines provide a topical overview of the diverse mechanisms that contribute to the virulence of "M. tuberculosis," ranging from their genetic, metabolic and molecular makeup, as well as the complex strategies these bacteria utilize to escape immune destruction within infected hosts."

This volume provides readers with the basic principles and fundamentals of extrusion technology and a detailed description of the practical applications of a variety of extrusion processes, including various pharma grade extruders. In addition, the downstream production of films, pellets and tablets, for example, for oral and other delivery routes, are presented and discussed utilizing melt extrusion. This book is the first of its kind that discusses extensively the well-developed science of extrusion technology as applied to pharmaceutical drug product development and manufacturing. By covering a wide range of relevant topics, the text brings together all technical information necessary to develop and market pharmaceutical dosage forms that meet current quality and regulatory requirements. As extrusion technology continues to be refined further, usage of extruder systems and the array of applications will continue to expand, but the core technologies will remain the same.

A comprehensive state-of-the-art summary of breast cancer research and treatment by leading authorities. The book's many distinguished contributors illuminate the biology and genetics of breast cancer, including what is known about the hereditary breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and 2, the cutting-edge cytogenic approaches, and the biology of breast cancer metastasis. In addition, the authors describe current and future methods of breast cancer treatment in depth, and discuss environment and diet as risk factors for the disease. Breast Cancer: Molecular Genetics, Pathogenesis, and Therapeutics constitutes an excellent reference and resource for all those clinical and experimental oncologists, as well as genetic counselors nurses, who need to understand the latest developments in breast cancer biology, risk, and treatment.

This book provides a practical guide to analysis of simple and complex method comparison data, using Stata, SAS and R. It takes the classical Limits of Agreement as a starting point, and presents it in a proper statistical framework. The model serves as a reference for reporting sources of variation and for providing conversion equations and plots between methods for practical use, including prediction uncertainty.Presents a modeling framework for analysis of data and reporting of results from comparing measurements from different clinical centers and/or different methods.Provides the practical tools for analyzing method comparison studies along with guidance on what to report and how to plan comparison studies and advice on appropriate software.Illustrated throughout with computer examples in R.Supported by a supplementary website hosting an R-package that performs the major part of the analyses needed in the area.Examples in SAS and Stata for the most common situations are also provided.Written by an acknowledged expert on the subject, with a long standing experience as a biostatistician in a clinical environment and a track record of delivering training on the subject.

Biostatisticians, clinicians, medical researchers and practitioners involved in research and analysis of measurement methods and laboratory investigations will benefit from this book. Students of statistics, biostatistics, and the chemical sciences will also find this book useful.

These proceedings report on the conference "Math Everywhere," celebrating the 60th birthday of the mathematician Vincenzo Capasso. The conference promoted ideas Capasso has pursued and shared the open atmosphere he is known for. Topic sections include: Deterministic and Stochastic Systems. Mathematical Problems in Biology, Medicine and Ecology. Mathematical Problems in Industry and Economics. The broad spectrum of contributions to this volume demonstrates the truth of its title: Math is Everywhere, indeed.

Aerosol therapy has significantly improved the treatment of a variety of respiratory diseases. Besides the treatment of respiratory diseases there is currently also a great interest to use the lungs as a portal to introduce drugs for systemic therapy.
The success of therapy with the application of aerosolized medicaments depends on the possibility to deliver the proper amount of drug to the appropriate sites in the respiratory system, thus limiting the side effects to a minimum. Aerosolized delivery of drugs to the lung is optimized if, for a given chemical composition of a medicine, the target of deposition and the required mass of drug to be deposited are precisely defined.
The next step is the specification of the number of respirable particles or droplets, to be generated by appropriate devices. Another very important factor for successful aerosol therapy is the condition of the patient coupled with his or her inhalation technique.

The title of this monograph, Brain Tumor Research and Therapy, is the name of the Conference itself, which had its inaugural meeting in the United States in 1975 andhas since progressed to the international scale. In Japan, the first conference ofits kind was organized by Dr. Takao Hoshino and me and was held at Nikko in 1980, hence its name, the Nikko Conference on Brain Tumor Research and Therapy. Though it started as a small, closed meeting, the conference has grown considerably, and in 1992 it was reorganized as the Japanese Conference on Brain Tumor Research and Therapy and was opened to all neurosurgeons and neuropathologists interested in the study of brain tumor problems and who are participating in this field. The main purpose of the Conference on Brain Tumor Research and Therapy is the candid and informed discussion of the most up-to-date developments in basic re search and clinical treatment of brain tumors. The 3rd Japanese Conference on Brain Tumor Research and Therapy was held at Nasu (Tochigi Prefecture), Japan, in No vember 1994. It was a great honor to welcome many distinguished guests from over seas who kindly attended each session and made valuable contributions.

Outlines the laboratory diagnosis of a selected number of diseases which have relatively high incidence and existing screening programs.