The Systems Biology of Parkinson s Disease will be underpinned by new measurement techniques. This is particularly true of the pathology of Parkinson's Disease, where recent developments in brain imaging have offered new insights into the morphology of dopaminergic neurons that have profound implications for the special vulnerability and role of this class of neurons.

Over the past 25 years, biobanks of human specimens have become a cornerstone for research on human health and have empowered the "omics "revolution that characterizes biomedical science in the XXIst Century. Today, biobanking of human specimens is a critical component of the interface between clinical practice and translational research, supporting the discovery and validation of new biomarkers of disease etiology, risk, early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and relapse. With the development of personalized medicine, biobanking of cryopreserved specimens has become standard practice in order to investigate genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics and immunological biomarkers useful to inform caregivers for therapeutic decisions. Data generated from biobanked specimens represent a rapidly growing and highly valuable resource, participating in the emergence of Big Data Medicine. With the development of large computing capabilities and artificial intelligence, data associated with biobanked specimens constitute a unique resource for the discovery and validation of new biomarkers and therapeutically actionable targets. Interconnecting, interoperating and sharing this data have become major issues for national health systems, raising enormous stakes as well as major societal, legal and cybersecurity challenges in terms of compliance with the protection of personal sensitive information. This book project is the second part of an initiative launched in 2012 to produce a published corpus of knowledge encompassing all aspects of human biobanking as a central practice for research and medicine. The first volume, published in 2017, is entitled: Human Biobanking: Principles and Practice. This first volume compiled a series of high level contributions overseeing the main developments that carried the progression of human biobanking as a research and biotechnological field over the past two decades. This new book project will constitute de facto Volume 2 of the same initiative, under the title: Biobanking of Human Biospecimens: lessons from 25 years of biobanking experience. Hence, the two volumes will share the same generic title (Biobanking of Human Biospecimens), with different subtitles, making clear that the two volumes are interrelated while highlighting their specificities in terms of what they actually cover. As a result, the two books are "twins" but can also be used independently of each other. The overarching aim of the two volumes of Biobanking of Human Biospecimens is to provide a published "one-stop shop" for state-of-the-art information on what constitutes the field of human biobanking, from conception of a biobank, standard operating procedures, ethical and societal aspects, governance, networking, interoperability and economic sustainability. This inclusive publication concept meets the needs of a vast readership, including scientists, doctors and technical staffs who are directly involved in biobanking operations, scientists in other disciplines that heavily rely on biobanking (such as genomics or proteomics), stakeholders and policy makers, and of course students for whom biobanking is becoming an important part of the training curriculum. So far, there has been a lack of major textbooks on biobanking. Documentation for biobanking is widely available through numerous publications, regulatory documents published by International or Governmental Agencies, and sets of recommendations essentially accessible through the Internet. However, it is difficult to access a single, top-of-the shelf reference that provides at a glance a large coverage of all aspects of human biobanking. Fulfilling this need is the main origin of the concept for this back-to-back publication project. To our knowledge, there is currently no other publication project with the same breath and scope as this one in the field of biobanking.

Mathematical and Statistical Estimation Approaches in Epidemiology compiles t- oretical and practical contributions of experts in the analysis of infectious disease epidemics in a single volume. Recent collections have focused in the analyses and simulation of deterministic and stochastic models whose aim is to identify and rank epidemiological and social mechanisms responsible for disease transmission. The contributions in this volume focus on the connections between models and disease data with emphasis on the application of mathematical and statistical approaches that quantify model and data uncertainty. The book is aimed at public health experts, applied mathematicians and sci- tists in the life and social sciences, particularly graduate or advanced undergraduate students, who are interested not only in building and connecting models to data but also in applying and developing methods that quantify uncertainty in the context of infectious diseases. Chowell and Brauer open this volume with an overview of the classical disease transmission models of Kermack-McKendrick including extensions that account for increased levels of epidemiological heterogeneity. Their theoretical tour is followed by the introduction of a simple methodology for the estimation of, the basic reproduction number,R . The use of this methodology 0 is illustrated, using regional data for 1918-1919 and 1968 in uenza pandemics.

This book will review work from a number of researchers who have produced open source software addressing the need for data management, integration, analysis, and visualization to aid cancer research. With the advent of high-throughput technologies in biomedicine, the need for data management and appropriate data analysis tools in genomics has increased dramatically, joining clinical trials data as a major driver of informatics at cancer research centers.

The gathering of this data requires careful encoding of metadata, usually through the use of controlled vocabularies or ontologies, as well as the linking of data from model organisms, done at both a physiological level (e.g., anatomy) and at a molecular level (e.g., orthology). This data will then find use within computational and statistical models, which require data pipelines and analysis systems, as well as algorithms, visualization methods, and computational modeling systems. We will introduce open source tools available for these aspects of the problem.

The editors plan to divide the book into five sections, beginning with a section containing high level overviews of the field and key issues. This will include an introductory review of informatics in cancer research, followed by five overviews addressing issues in authentication and authorization, data management, data pipelines and annotations, algorithms and models, and the NCI caBIG initiative. This will be followed by sections dedicated to data systems, data pipelines, algorithms for analysis and visualization, and modeling systems. Each of these areas has seen publication of open source tools, ranging from the widely known R/Bioconductor package to little known but powerful systems such as SImmune for biochemical modeling. The area of laboratory information management systems has seen development of a number of unpublished but powerful systems, which we would also include. Three groups have agreed to provide chapters in this area (USC/Norris CAFE extensible clinical trials system, St Jude Unified LIMS, Fox Chase/British Columbia flow cytometry LIMS).

While there has been a great deal of development of informatics tools that can be applied to problems in cancer research, there has not been adequate dissemination of details on these tools to the community. As such, there remains low adoption of all but a few tools. This book aims to increase overall adoption of tools by providing cancer center leaders and researchers with a single volume detailing both issues that must be addressed and tools that are ready for use.

A clear and practical guide to completing a literature review in nursing and healthcare studies. Providing you with straightforward guidance on how to successfully carry out a literature review as part of your research project or dissertation, this book uses examples and activities to demonstrate how to complete each step correctly, from start to finish, and highlights how to avoid common mistakes. Perfect for any nursing or healthcare student new to literature reviews and for anyone who needs a refresher on this important topic. The third edition includes: Expert advice on selecting and researching a topic A chapter outlining the different types of literature review you may come across Increased focus on Critical Appraisal Tools and how to use them effectively New real-world examples presenting best practice Instructions on writing up and presenting the final piece of work

Micro/Nano-robotics for Biomedical Applications features a system approach and incorporates modern methodologies in autonomous mobile robots for programmable and controllable micro/nano-robots aiming at biomedical applications. The book provides chapters of instructional materials in micro/nanorobotics for biomedical applications. The book features lecture units on micro/nanorobot components and techniques, including sensors, actuator, power supply, and micro/nano-fabrication and assembly. It also contains case studies on using micro/nano-robots in biomedical environments and in biomedicine, as well as a design example to conceptually develop a Vitamin-pill sized robot to enter human s gastrointestinal tract. Laboratory modules to teach robot navigation and cooperation methods suitable to biomedical applications will be also provided based on existing simulation and robot platforms."

Today, nature is used as a source of inspiration for the development of new techniques for solving complex problems in various domains, from engineering to biology, with innovative adaptations under investigation. ""The Handbook of Research on Artificial Immune Systems and Natural Computing: Applying Complex Adaptive Technologies"" provides the latest empirical research findings, theoretical frameworks, and technologies of natural computing and artificial immune systems (AIS). An excellent reference source for professionals, researchers, and academicians within the AIS and natural computing fields, this comprehensive collection written by leading international experts proposes new ideas, methods, and theories to solve problems of engineering and science. It features: 24 authoritative contributions by over 45 of the world's leading experts on artificial immune systems and natural computing from 13 countries; comprehensive coverage of each specific topic, highlighting recent trends and describing the latest advances in the field; more than 900 references to existing literature and research on artificial immune systems and natural computing; and, a compendium of over 195 key terms with detailed definitions. It is organized by topic and indexed, making it a convenient method of reference for all IT/IS scholars and professionals. It offers cross-referencing of key terms, figures, and information pertinent to artificial immune systems and natural computing.

This book examines the role of nanobiosensors in point-of-care applications for personalized healthcare and management. It begins by discussing various biomaterials that are used for the development of biosensors in medical diagnostics, and reviews advances in their fabrication and the miniaturization of biosensor devices for lab-on-chip analysis. In turn, it explores the rapidly evolving applications of nanomaterials in the context of biomaterial diagnostics. The book also explores the immense potential of biosensors in medical diagnostics, where they are increasingly being used to detect a wide range of biomolecules and biomarkers. In closing, it discusses the current challenges and outlines the future role of nanobiosensors in the development of next-generation point-of-care applications.

This book offers comprehensive information on the new and rapidly evolving science of identifying and targeting senescent cells, and on the exciting prospect of new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for stopping, and even reversing, the progression of disease and the deterioration of the human body due to ageing. According to recent United Nations data, by 2050 one in six people worldwide will be older than age 65, with peaks rising to one in four people in Europe and North America. Remarkably, the number of persons aged 80 years or older is expected to triple, from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050. First documented in the 1960s, the concept of cellular senescence as an underlying cause of ageing has been established in the course of the last decade. Using genetically engineered mouse models, researchers have demonstrated that the selective elimination of senescent cells can block and even reverse a number of age-related dysfunctions and pathologies, promoting both better health and longer life in the elderly. These include cardiovascular diseases; neurological disorders; type 1 and type 2 diabetes; inflammatory diseases; fibrosis; geriatric syndromes; chronic diseases resulting in organ dysfunction; the integrity of the musculoskeletal system; and cancer. Some senolytic agents have already progressed into trials. These include UBX0101 for the treatment of osteoarthritis (now in phase II), a cocktail of dasatinib and quercetin for the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and chronic kidney disease, and ABT-263 in combination with senescence-inducing chemotherapies for the treatment of advanced solid tumours. In addition, the book discusses pathways to early phase clinical trials and translational approaches in medicine and ageing, highlighting new opportunities as well as current limitations, challenges and alternatives. Given its scope, it will benefit a broad audience of advanced educators, researchers, graduate students and practitioners.

Reviews in Fluorescence 2015, the eighth volume of the book serial from Springer, serves as a comprehensive collection of current trends and emerging hot topics in the field of fluorescence and closely related disciplines. It summarizes the year's progress in fluorescence and its applications, with authoritative reviews specialized enough to be attractive to professional researchers, yet also appealing to the wider audience of scientists in related disciplines of fluorescence. Reviews in Fluorescence offers an essential reference material for any research lab or company working in the fluorescence field and related areas. All academics, bench scientists, and industry professionals wishing to take advantage of the latest and greatest in the continuously emerging field of fluorescence will find it an invaluable resource.

This book is part of a series dedicated to recent advances on preventive, predictive and personalised medicine (PPPM). It focuses on the theme of "Drug delivery systems: advanced technologies potentially applicable in personalised treatments". The critical topics involving the development and preparation of effective drug delivery systems, such as: polymers available, self-assembly, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical formulations, three dimensional structures, molecular modeling, tailor-made solutions and technological tendencies, are carefully discussed. The understanding of these areas constitutes a paramount route to establish personalised and effective solutions for specific diseases and individuals.

This book shares the experimental findings and views in current multidisciplinary medical science combining both basic and applied research aimed at resolving problematic health issues. The key topics address contagious diseases, in particular the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of influenza and influenza-like infections as well as brain tuberculosis. Pulmonary medicine is represented by articles addressing a range of practical issues, including the diagnosis, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a syndrome whose incidence shows a persistent upward trend worldwide. Other articles address the pathogenesis of air pollution toxicity and allergy and sensory irritation in toxic exposure studies. An intriguing relation of atopic dermatitis to depression and serotoninergic system is debated. The book attempts to integrate research into clinical work and to implement findings to improve care and to decrease suffering from diseases. It is dedicated to the practicing professionals, researchers, and all engaged in health care.

This fully updated book explores all-new and revised protocols involving the use of in silico models, particularly with regard to pharmaceuticals. Divided into five sections, the volume covers the modeling of pharmaceuticals in the body, toxicity data for modeling purposes, in silico models for multiple endpoints, a number of platforms for evaluating pharmaceuticals, as well as an exploration of challenges, both scientific and sociological. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detail and implementation advice necessary for successful results. Authoritative and comprehensive, In Silico Methods for Predicting Drug Toxicity, Second Edition aims to guide the reader through the correct procedures needed to harness in silico models, a field which now touches a wide variety of research specialties.

This book presents a multidisciplinary assessment of the state of science in the use of systemic delivery technologies to deliver anti-aging therapeutics now under development. There is a gap between basic aging research and the development of intervention technologies. This major obstacle must be overcome before biogerontological interventions can be put into clinical practice. As biogerontology comes to understand aging as a systemic degenerative process, it is clear that there is a pressing need for technologies that enable cells and tissues in a fully developed adult body to be manipulated systemically to combat aging. The authors review advances in the chemistry and engineering of systemic delivery methods and analyze the strengths and limitations of each. The book is organized into six sections. The first offers an overview of the need for systemic delivery technologies alongside the development of anti-aging therapies and describes approaches that will be required for studying the properties and efficiency of carriers for systemic delivery. Sections II, III and IV describe recent advances in a range of strategies that may enable systemic delivery to help combat aging conditions ranging from cell senescence to decline in immune function and hormonal secretion. Section V discusses practical strategies to engineer and optimize the performance of delivery technologies for applications in systemic delivery, along with their working principles. The final section discusses technical and biological barriers that must be overcome as systemic delivery technologies move from research laboratory to clinical applications aimed at tackling aging and age-associated diseases.Benefiting scholars, students and a broader audience of interested readers, the book includes helpful glossary sections in each chapter, as well as sidebars that highlight important notes, and questions for future research.

This book aims to present the age-related alterations in redox signaling networks and their diagnostic biomarkers in aging cells using multidisciplinary approach. Establishing sensitive and specific biomarkers of dynamic redox homeostasis is crucially important in the development of effective antiaging and senolytic interventions. Recent years have seen tremendous advances in the understanding of redox signaling events which highlight the process of aging and age-related pathologies. A major challenge in biological aging research is developing reliable biomarkers to determine the consequences of disrupted redox signaling networks long before the clinical diagnosis of age-related diseases is made. Therefore, we have chosen to concentrate on aging-induced aberrant redox signaling networks, their biomarkers, and pathological consequences in this book. Although oxidation is a natural metabolic process, the imbalance in the level of oxidants and antioxidants causes oxidative stress and eventually leads to inflammatory conditions, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Novel redox-sensitive biomarkers for the evaluation of aging-induced proteinopathies such as amyloid ss and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease, -synuclein in Parkinson's disease, and islet amyloid polypeptides in type 2 diabetes mellitus recently drew the attention of researchers. Inside this textbook, readers will find comprehensive perspectives on the association between redox homeostasis and the aging process both at the molecular and clinical levels. Due to the inherent relationship between impaired metabolic activities and oxidative stress, the temporal interaction between intermediary metabolism and disturbed redox status can lead to greater susceptibility to aging-induced diseases and disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. This knowledge could be a key to continued research toward improving medication regimens such as in cancer and cardiovascular therapies, and procedural outcomes for patients. This book brings together current research evidence and knowledge on redox signaling and biomarkers in aging in chapters written by leading global experts in this rapidly evolving field. We hope that this textbook is of interest to a wide group of researchers, advanced students, scientifically curious non-specialist readers and clinicians alike.

The biennial TNF-family conferences have been held over the past 20 years, from the time that TNF was cloned. These meetings have followed the enormous progress in this field. Much is now known about the members of the TNF ligand and receptor families, their signaling proteins, mechanisms of action and cellular functions. This volume is the proceedings of the 12th TNF International Conference, held in April 2009. This conference focuses on the physiological, pathophysiological, and medical significance of these important regulators. Sessions at the meeting specifically address their involvement in immunity, development, apoptosis, autoimmunity, cancer, and infection, the normal function and pathology of the neuronal system, as well as major unresolved questions about their mechanisms of action.

The book is an update on contentious or unsettled issues concerning invasive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in cancer and related disorders, focusing on the surgical approach. Topics include recommendations for the best practice in using the surgery safety checklist, surgical strategies in a variety of thoracic cancers, renal cell carcinoma, tumors of parathyroid glands, mesothelioma, and bariatric surgeries. The focus is on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of aggressive cancerous entities, choosing the most beneficial modes for optimal outcomes and patient survival. Chapters also address radioimaging and therapy outcomes in different intracranial lesions leading to severe neurological disabilities. The areas of medical practice addressed are still veiled in uncertainty, yet-unresolved pathogenetic background, and have a substantial component of empirical rather than evidence-based clinical approach. Pursuing and sharing new ideas and innovations is essential for improving the management and outcome. The book endeavors to disseminate and deliberate on the latest medical knowledge, studies, and advancements in surgical and diagnostic dealing with cancer. The book is addressed to physicians and surgeons, and all allied health care professionals engaged in patient care and therapy.

Signal Processing in Medicine and Biology: Innovations in Big Data Processing provides an interdisciplinary look at state-of-the-art innovations in biomedical signal processing, especially as it applies to large data sets and machine learning. Chapters are presented with detailed mathematics and complete implementation specifics so that readers can completely master these techniques. The book presents tutorials and examples of successful applications and will appeal to a wide range of professionals, researchers, and students interested in applications of signal processing, medicine, and biology at the intersection between healthcare, engineering, and computer science.

Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is a disease caused by the overproduction of aldosterone hormone from the adrenal glands. PA causes hypertension and the majority with this disease are undiagnosed for PA. There are new insights into this matter by using biochemistry as well as advanced radiology. In 2011, a breakthrough in the genetic derangements came, identifying a mutated potassium channel gene - KCNJ5 - in about 40% of PA with adenoma. Chapters in this book include a history of the disorder, epidemiology, genetics derangements, the KCNJ5 mutations and phenotype and more.

Key Features: Provides botanical descriptions, distribution and pharmacological investigations of notable medicinal and herbal plants used to prevent or treat diabetes. Discusses phytochemical and polyherbal formulations for the management of diabetes and other related complications. Contains reports on antidiabetic plants and their potential uses in drug discovery based on their bioactive molecules.

This detailed second edition provides key updates on well-established methods as well as coverage of recently emerging sophisticated techniques and methods that are essential for an in-depth and state-of-the-art understanding of skeletal development and homeostasis and the pathological mechanisms that cause skeletal degeneration. The first half of the book examines cell and molecular biological aspects of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, while the remainder of the collection focuses on in vivo models of skeletal tissue injury, degeneration, and repair. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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. Authoritative and up-to-date, Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis, Second Edition aims to assist investigators concerned with research topics broadly related to osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, as well as other musculoskeletal disorders.

The core principles of statistical analysis are too easily forgotten in today's world of powerful computers and time-saving algorithms. This step-by-step primer takes researchers who lack the confidence to conduct their own analyses right back to basics, allowing them to scrutinize their own data through a series of rapidly executed reckonings on a simple pocket calculator. A range of easily navigable tutorials facilitate the reader's assimilation of the techniques, while a separate chapter on next generation Flash prepares them for future developments in the field. This practical volume also contains tips on how to deny hackers access to Flash internet sites. An ideal companion to the author's co-authored works on statistical analysis for Springer such as Statistics Applied to Clinical Trials, this monograph will help researchers understand the processes involved in interpreting clinical data, as well as being a necessary prerequisite to mastering more advanced statistical techniques.

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The principles of statistical analysis are easily forgotten in today's world of time-saving algorithms. This step-by-step primer takes researchers back to basics, enabling them to examine their own data through a series of sums on a simple pocket calculator."

Whether you are new to literature reviews or working with new types of data, this book takes the guesswork out of writing your literature review. From deciding how much literature to include to managing your data, assessing your sources, and writing results, it outlines a step-by-step process that works with any data. To help you choose best approach for your research, this book includes: * Worksheets and decision aids to help you plan and organise your literature review * Worked examples and case studies to show you what - and what not - to do in practice * Troubleshooting tips and answers to all your frequently asked questions * Online access to a literature review starter template, an exercise workbook, project diary template, and a source credibility checklist. The perfect project support for any social sciences student, this edition also includes a new chapter on analysing mixed methods research.

This book walks you step-by-step through the whole research process so you can get up to speed understanding and doing your own research. In their friendly, down to earth style, the authors lay the theoretical foundations you need to consume and critique research, before showing how to translate this into action when tackling your own literature review or research project. This second edition: Draws on a wealth of examples from midwifery, four fields of nursing including mental health nursing and child nursing, and a range of health care specialities. Covers new and updated NMC professional education standards and maps all relevant policy and law. Supports your learning with reflective exercises, online activities and quizzes that enable you to be confident in your understanding and develop your thinking. Whether you're encountering research and evidence-based practice for the first time or refreshing your methods knowledge, this is the ideal research companion for nurses and midwives pre-registration, post-registration and beyond.

The perfect complement to Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, this knowledge-building Resource Manual strengthens students' understanding of concepts from the textbook and enhances their ability to confidently appraise and critique research studies. With an emphasis on careful reading and critical appraisal of actual studies, systematic learning exercises reinforce the acquisition of basic research skills fundamental to designing and planning one's own study. The Resource Manual appendices cover a range of nursing research endeavors, including critical appraisals of two research reports, two grant applications, and thirteen full research reports encompassing qualitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies, an instrument development study, and an evidence-based practice project report. The Resource Manual is accompanied by the invaluable online Toolkit, a must-have, timesaving innovation for students and seasoned researchers. Refined and easily adaptable research tools, available as editable Word files, address a broad range of research situations and can be customized to meet your specific needs. Crossword Puzzles provide an entertaining and challenging review of key terms and concepts. Study Questions encourage critical thinking and reinforce the most relevant content from each textbook chapter. Application Exercises hone students' ability to read, comprehend and critique nursing studies most effectively. Full research reports in the robust appendices cover a wide range of endeavors. TheToolkit delivers fast online access to dozens of timesaving, adaptable resources that can be downloaded and customized to meet your specific needs.