Progress in ubiquitous computing, social networking, medical informatics and IT technologies has resulted in a new generation of healthcare systems. Ubiquitous Health and Medical Informatics: The Ubiquity 2.0 Trend and Beyond provides insight into the various trends, innovations, and organizational challenges of contemporary ubiquitous health and medical informatics. Contributions highlight changes to healthcare distribution that will significantly revolutionize the exchange between healthcare providers and consumers.

The present book on Molecular & Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Strategies of ovarian cancer is one of two companion books with the second one being focused on Cell and Molecular Biology of Ovarian Cancer. Both books include new exciting aspects of ovarian cancer research with chapters written by experts in their respective fields who contributed their unique expertise in specific ovarian cancer research areas and include cell and molecular details that are important for the specific subtopics. Comprehensive and concise reviews are included of key topics in the field.

This book consists of 3 volumes: Basic Science (Volume 1), Clinical Science (Volume 2) and Technology and Methodology (Volume 3). Volume 2 focuses on the clinical aspects of autophagy research, discussing the role of autophagy in neuropsychiatric disorders, the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and endocrine systems, as well as tumors, infection, the kidney, and the respiratory and hematological systems. It also addresses autophagy-related drug development. Written and edited by a team of 90 experts, and presenting the state of the art in autophagy research, this book is a valuable reference resource for researchers and clinicians alike. It can also be used as supplementary material for graduate students majoring in biology and medicine

This book focuses on microplastics as emerging persistent contaminants in terrestrial environments. Scientists from around the globe review recent advances in multi-disciplinary research on micro(nano)plastics, including analytical methods; the sources, fate and distribution of microplastics; ecological risks; toxicity and health risks; and control and countermeasures for microplastics in terrestrial environments. Offering a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial environments, the book is a valuable resource for environmental researchers, ecologists and toxicologists, as well as for policymakers and non-experts.

No longer confined to medical devices, medical software has become a pervasive technology giving healthcare operators access to clinical information stored in electronic health records and clinical decision support systems, supporting robot-assisted telesurgery, and providing the technology behind ambient assisted living. These systems and software must be designed, built and maintained according to strict regulations and standards to ensure that they are safe, reliable and secure. Engineering High Quality Medical Software illustrates how to exploit techniques, methodologies, development processes and existing standards to realize high-confidence medical software. After an introductory survey of the topic the book covers global regulations and standards (including EU MDD 93/42/EEC, FDA Title 21 of US CFR, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, IEC 52304, IEEE 1012 and ISO/IEC 29119), verification and validation techniques and techniques, and methodologies and engineering tasks for the development, configuration and maintenance of medical software.

Women's health comprises a large range of activities including fertility and reproductive health and screening and treatment for gynecological conditions, with computer systems providing vital support. Medical Informatics in Obstetrics and Gynecology provides industry knowledge and insight to challenges in the areas of informatics that are important to women's health. Covering topics such as ethical and legal issues, imaging and communication systems, and electronic health records, this Medical Information Science Reference publication provides medical libraries and researchers, as well as medical students, health technology specialists, and practicing physicians and nurses with unrivaled data on the role of technology in obstetrics and gynecology.

The application of biosensors is expanding in different areas. These are portable and convenient devices that permit the rapid, accurate, and reliable detection of analytes of interest present either in the atmosphere or in aqueous or in liquid phases. The detection of glucose levels in blood for the effective management of diabetes is one. Though different biosensors have been designed for an increasing number of applications, the kinetics of binding (and dissociation) of analytes by the receptors on the biosensor surfaces has not been given enough attention in the open literature. This is a very important area of investigation since it significantly impacts biosensor performance parameters such as stability, sensitivity, selectivity, response time, regenerability, etc. Binding and Dissociation Kinetics for Different Biosensor Applications Using Fractals addresses this critical need besides helping to correct or demonstrate the need to modify the present software available with commercial biosensors that determines the kinetics of analyte-receptor reactions on biosensor surfaces.
* first book to provide detailed kinetic analysis of the binding and dissociation reactions that are occuring on the biosensor surface
* addresses the area of analyte-receptor binding and dissociation kinetics occurring on biosensor surfaces
* provides physical insights into reactions occuring on biosensor surfaces

The Common Marmoset in Captivity and Biomedical Research is the first text dedicated exclusively to this species,filling an urgent need for an encyclopedic compilation of the existing information. Sponsored by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine as part of its authoritative Blue Book series, the book covers the biology,management, diseases, and clinical and research applications of this important species. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has come of age in the scientific community as a behaviorally complex, cognitively advanced,small, prolific, and easily maintained nonhuman primate with many of the advantages of larger animals, such as macaques, but without the attendant physical and zoonotic risks. Marmosets are currently being used in diverse areas of inquiry, including vision and auditory research, infectious disease, cognitive neuroscience, behavior, reproductive biology, toxicology and drug development, and aging. The marmoset genome has been sequenced and there is currently an intensive effort to apply gene editing technologies to the species. The creation of transgenic marmosets will provide researchers with a small nonhuman primate model to study a number of poorly understood disorders, like autism.

Interest in Information and Communication Technologies for human monitoring, smart health and assisted living is growing due to the significant impact that these technologies are expected to have on improving the quality of life of ageing populations around the world. This book brings together chapters written by a range of researchers working in these topics, providing an overview of the areas and covering current research, developments and applications for a readership of researchers and research-led engineering practitioners. It discusses the promises and the possible advantages of these technologies, and also indicates the challenges for the future. Topics covered include: personal monitoring and health data acquisition in smart homes; contactless monitoring of respiratory activity; technology-based assistance of people with dementia; wearable sensors for gesture analysis; design and prototyping of home automation systems for the monitoring of elderly people; multi-sensor platform for circadian rhythm analysis; smart multi-sensor solutions for activity detection; human monitoring based on heterogeneous sensor networks; mobile health for vital signs and gait monitoring systems; and smartphone-based blood pressure monitoring for falls risk assessment.

This volume covers classic and modern cell and molecular biology of prostate cancer, as well as novel biomarkers, inflammation, centrosome pathologies, microRNAs, cancer initiation novel biomarkers, inflammation, centrosome pathologies, microRNAs, cancer initiation and genetics, epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunctions and apoptosis, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis and progression to metastasis, and treatment strategies including clinical trials related to prostate cancer. Cell & Molecular Biology of Prostate Cancer is one of two companion books comprehensively addressing the biology and clinical aspects of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer: Molecular & Diagnostic Imaging and Treatment Stategies, the companion volume, discusses both classic and the most recent imaging approaches including analysis of needle biopsies, applications of nanoparticle probes and peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for detection, early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Taken together, these volumes form one comprehensive and invaluable contribution to the literature.

This contributed volume applies the insights of supramolecular chemistry to biomedical applications such as ions/water transport through nano-scale channels, gene therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery, to cite some of the major investigations.The challenge is to understand the mechanisms of transport through tissues particularly in the therapeutic treatment of a disease where the active drug must be delivered directly to diseased cells without affecting healthy cells. As a result, smaller quantities of active substances can be used to treat the disease. Another interest concerns new ways to administer gene therapy. If genes are often delivered to their target cells by adapted viruses, the supramolecular non-viral 'vectors' using dynamic nano-frameworks and nano-structures are presented. In addition, it is important to reconstruct damaged tissues by mimicking natural processes in cells and polymers, such as tissue engineering and self-healing. Different options are here discussed: e.g. hydrogels based on chitosan, a carbohydrate polymer, are proving especially promising for tissue engineering and drug delivery. For controlled delivery of drugs or other biologically active compounds, hydrogels sensitive to the most important stimuli in the human body, such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, glucose and biomolecules released by the organism in pathological conditions have been developed. Finally, to assist and validate the experimental studies, computer modelling and simulations of large-sized molecular structures and systems using different molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical techniques are developed based on the experimental and chemistry synthesis. This book is of great interest for graduate students, researchers and health professionals interested in acquiring a better understanding of the mechanisms of medical treatments. In addition, it provides numerous tools to develop better therapies for human diseases.

This book looks at where stem cell technology is presently and how it is instrumental in advancing the field of disease modeling and cell transplantation. By focusing on major human disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disorders, the book summarizes the major findings in the field of human stem cells and dissect the current limitations on our understanding of stem cells biology. The chapters focus on the genetics, genomics, epigenetics and physiology of stem cells models, together with technological advances on molecular biology such as CRISPR/Cas9 or epigenetic editing, that will be instrumental in the future of human disease modeling and treatment. In base of the limitations of current disease models and in front of the unmet necessity of finding therapeutical interventions for human disorders, the availability of stem cell technology has opened new doors for several fields. The unlimited self-renewal capacity and more extensive differentiation potential of stem cells offers a theoretically inexhaustible and replenishable source of any cell subtype. Since Professor Shinya Yamanaka described it, 10 years ago in his seminal paper, that somatic cells could be reprogrammed to inducible stem cells (iPSC) just by expressing four transcription factors, the field of has exploded, especially its applications in biomedical research.

This monograph focuses on modern femtosecond laser microscopes for two photon imaging and nanoprocessing, on laser tweezers for cell micromanipulation as well as on fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) in Life Sciences. The book starts with an introduction by Dr. Wolfgang Kaiser, pioneer of nonlinear optics and ends with the chapter on clinical multiphoton tomography, the novel high resolution imaging technique. It includes a foreword by the nonlinear microscopy expert Dr. Colin Sheppard. Contents Part I: Basics Brief history of fluorescence lifetime imaging The long journey to the laser and its use for nonlinear optics Advanced TCSPC-FLIM techniques Ultrafast lasers in biophotonics Part II: Modern nonlinear microscopy of live cells STED microscopy: exploring fluorescence lifetime gradients for super-resolution at reduced illumination intensities Principles and applications of temporal-focusing wide-field two-photon microscopy FLIM-FRET microscopy TCSPC FLIM and PLIM for metabolic imaging and oxygen sensing Laser tweezers are sources of two-photon effects Metabolic shifts in cell proliferation and differentiation Femtosecond laser nanoprocessing Cryomultiphoton imaging Part III: Nonlinear tissue imaging Multiphoton Tomography (MPT) Clinical multimodal CARS imaging In vivo multiphoton microscopy of human skin Two-photon microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging of the cornea Multiscale correlative imaging of the brain Revealing interaction of dyes and nanomaterials by multiphoton imaging Multiphoton FLIM in cosmetic clinical research Multiphoton microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging for resection guidance in malignant glioma surgery Non-invasive single-photon and multi-photon imaging of stem cells and cancer cells in mouse models Bedside assessment of multiphoton tomography

The main aim of this book is to collect a series of research articles and reviews from a diverse group of scientists to share their research work on the role of free radical research and environmental toxicity. This book presents various state-of-the-art chapters of recent progress in the field of cellular toxicology and clinical manifestations of various disorders. Topics include cell signaling, various risk factors, the pathophysiology of disease instigation and distribution, mechanistic insights into metal and nanoparticle toxicity, neural toxicity, nongenotoxic carcinogenicity, immune and idiosyncratic toxicity, prevention, biomarkers related to disease progression and therapeutic strategies. In particular, this book provides valuable insight for researchers, pathologists, and clinicians with an interest in toxicological research and cellular impairments with special emphasis on therapeutic advancement.

This book summarizes the fast-growing and current knowledge about selenium interaction with cancer, diabetes, neuro-degeneration, heart disease, muscle disorders, HIV and several more. A special focus will be placed on in-depth knowledge about gene expression, selenoprotein biosynthesis, seleno-metabolism--as well as the molecular pathways, physiological roles, and the molecular action of selenium including interaction with other elements and vitamins or as Se-nanoparticles. The reader will receive the newest information regarding redox status and redox regulatory systems, specifically in relation to different glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin-reductases as well as about cellular bioavailability and cytotoxicity, de-balanced immune response, inflammation or dietary aspects.

Here in a single source is a complete spectrum of ideas on the development of new anticancer drugs. Containing concise reviews of multidisciplinary fields of research, this book offers a wealth of ideas on current and future molecular targets for drug design, including signal transduction, the cell division cycle, and programmed cell death. Detailed descriptions of sources for new drugs and methods for testing and clinical trial design are also provided.
KEY FEATURES:
* One work that can be consulted for all aspects of anticancer drug development
* Concise reviews of research fields, combined with practical scientific detail, written by internationally respected experts
* A wealth of ideas on current and future molecular targets for drug design, including signal transduction, the cell division cycle, and programmed cell death
* Detailed descriptions of the sources of new anticancer drugs, including combinatorial chemistry, phage display, and natural products
* Discussion of how new drugs can be tested in preclinical systems, including the latest technology of robotic assay systems, cell culture, and experimental animal techniques
* Hundreds of references that allow the reader to access relevant scientific and medical literature
* Clear illustrations, some in color, that provide both understanding of the field and material for teaching

The Handbook of Research on Informatics in Healthcare and Biomedicine is the single authoritative reference source for information on the newest trends and breakthroughs in computer applications applied to healthcare and biomedicine. Innovative technologies in health information systems, medicine, health services, and other areas in biomedicine are explored. The comprehensive chapters contained in this handbook of research have been written by 99 international experts from the field of healthcare and IT. More than 900 references to existing publications and a wide-ranging compendium of over 450 key terms and definitions have been included to provide readers with the ultimate research tool.

This second edition volume expands on the first edition with more detailed methodologies on prenatal testing and diagnosis, and also covers next-generation sequencing techniques. The chapters in this book are divided into three sections: preimplantation genetic testing, traditional prenatal testing, and non-invasive prenatal testing. This book covers topics such as molecular testing for preimplantation genetic diagnosis of single gene disorders; DNA extraction from various types of prenatal specimens; prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease; chromosomal SNP microarrays; and isolation of cell-free DNA from maternal plasma. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and thorough, Prenatal Diagnosis, Second Edition is a valuable resource for any researcher interested in reproducing these techniques in their clinical laboratories.

A single trial is complex, with numerous regulations, administrative processes, medical procedures, deadlines and specific protocol instructions to follow. And yet, there has existed no single-volume, comprehensive clinical research reference manual for investigators, medical institutions, and national and international research personnel to keep on the shelf as a ready reference to navigate through trial complexities and ensure compliance with U.S. Federal Regulations and ICH GCP until The Sourcebook for Clinical Research. An actionable, step-by-step guide through beginning to advanced topics in clinical research with forms, templates and checklists to download from a companion website, so that study teams will be compliant and will find all the necessary tools within this book. Additionally, the authors developed Display Posters for Adverse Events Plus Reporting and Medicare Coverage Analysis that can be purchased separately here: https://www.elsevier.com/books-and-journals/book-companion/9780128162422/order-display-posters. Moreover, The Sourcebook for Clinical Research contains clear information and guidance on the newest changes in the industry to keep seasoned investigators and staff current and compliant, in addition to providing detailed information regarding the most complex topics. This book serves as a quick, actionable, off-the-shelf resource to keep by your side at the medical clinic.

Various "omics" methods have recently revolutionized molecular diagnostics. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) makes it possible to sequence a human genome in just one day. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) greatly improves the ability to investigate the outbreaks of numerous pathogens. Metagenomics helps to analyze the microbiome, which aids greatly in identifying the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. Proteomic-based methods, namely matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), have a promising role in identifying myctobacteria and fungi, and predicting antimicrobial resistance. While there are numerous scientific publications on "omics" applications for microbiology, there are relatively few books that review this topic from a clinical diagnostics perspective. This book looks at this field from a holistic viewpoint, instead of limiting by type of "omics" technology, in order to cover the body of knowledge needed for practitioners and academics interested in clinical and public health microbiology. Additionally, it addresses the management, economical, regulatory and operational aspects of integrating these technologies into routine diagnostics.