Cancer can affect people of all ages, and approximately one in three people are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Extensive research is being undertaken by many different institutions to explore potential new therapeutics, and biomaterials technology is now being developed to target, treat and prevent cancer. This unique book discusses the role and potential of biomaterials in treating this prevalent disease.
The first part of the book discusses the fundamentals of biomaterials for cancer therapeutics. Chapters in part two discuss synthetic vaccines, proteins and polymers for cancer therapeutics. Part three focusses on theranosis and drug delivery systems, whilst the final set of chapters look at biomaterial therapies and cancer cell interaction.
This extensive book provides a complete overview of the latest research into the potential of biomaterials for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of cancer. Biomaterials for cancer therapeutics is an essential text for academics, scientists and researchers within the biomedical industry, and will also be of interest to clinicians with a research interest in cancer therapies and biomaterials.
A complete overview of the latest research into the potential of biomaterials for the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of cancerDiscusses the fundamentals of biomaterials for cancer therapeuticsDiscusses synthetic vaccines, proteins and polymers for cancer therapeutics

With growing concerns about the rising incidence of obesity, there is interest in understanding how the human appetite contributes to energy balance and how it might be affected by the foods we consume, as well as other cultural and environmental factors. Satiation, satiety and the control of food intake provides a concise and authoritative overview of these areas. Part one introduces the concepts of satiation and satiety and discusses how these concepts can be quantified. Chapters in part two focus on biological factors of satiation and satiety before part three moves on to explore food composition factors. Chapters in part four discuss hedonic, cultural and environmental factors of satiation and satiety. Finally, part five explores public health implications and evaluates consumer understanding of satiation and satiety and related health claims.
Provides a concise and authoritative overview of appetite regulationFocuses on the effects of biological factors, food composition and hedonic, cultural and environmental factors affecting appetite controlDiscusses implications for public health

Ocular transporters and receptors contains detailed descriptions of major transporters and receptors expressed in the eye, with special emphasis on their role in drug delivery. The complex anatomy and the existence of multiple barriers in the eye pose a considerable challenge to successful drug delivery to the eye. Hence ocular transporters and receptors are important targets for drug delivery. A significant advancement has been made in the field of ocular transport research and their role in drug delivery. In this book the cutting edge research being carried out in this field is compiled and summarized. The book focuses on key areas, including the anatomy and physiology of the eye, biology of ocular transporters and receptors, techniques in characterization of transporters and receptors, transporters and receptors in the anterior and posterior segment in the eye, the role of ocular transporters and receptors in drug delivery, and transporter-metabolism interplay in the eye.
Highly focused on ocular transportersMost up-to-date research compilationDetailed description of role of transporters and receptors in ocular drug discovery and delivery

Cerebral Palsy in Infancy is a thought-provoking book which introduces a new way of thinking on the development and use of interventions. Relevant to current practice, it advocates early, targeted activity that is focused on increasing muscle activation, training basic actions and minimizing (or preventing) mal-adaptive changes to muscle morphology and function. The authors present recent scientific findings in brain science, movement sciences (developmental biomechanics, motor control mechanisms, motor learning, exercise science) and muscle biology. This knowledge provides the rationale for active intervention, underpinning the need for an early referral to appropriate services. The book features methods for promoting relatively intensive physical activity in young infants without placing a burden on parents which include assistive technologies such as robotics, electronic bilateral limb trainers and baby treadmills. Cerebral Palsy in Infancy begins by specifying the guidelines for training and exercise, outlining the rationale for such intervention. It goes on to cover the fundamentals of neuromotor plasticity and the development and negative effects of limited motor activity on brain organization and corticospinal tract development. Neuromuscular adaptations to impairments and inactivity are discussed along with the General Movement assessment that can provide early diagnosis and prognosis, facilitating very early referral from paediatric specialists to training programs. The book ends with a section featuring various methods of training with the emphasis on preventing/minimizing muscle contracture, stimulating biomechanically critical muscle activity and joint movement. An ideal clinical reference for those working to improve the lives of infants suffering from cerebral palsy. CONTRIBUTORS: Adel Abdullah Alhusaini (Saudi Arabia); David I. Anderson (USA); Nicolas Bayle (France); Roslyn Boyd (Australia); Giovanni Cioni (Italy); Diane L. Damiano (USA); Janet Eyre (UK); Linda Fetters (USA); Mary Galea (Australia); Andrew M Gordon (USA); Martin Gough (UK); Richard L Lieber (USA); Jens Bo Nielsen (Denmark); Micah Perez (Australia); Caroline Teulier (France). "This book provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of motor development and the consequent impact of poor motor function in later childhood for infants with cerebral palsy (CP)." Reviewed by: Oxford Brookes University on behalf of the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Dec 2014 conceived and edited by Roberta Shepherd with contributions from internationally renowned expert clinicians and researchers discusses new research and new evidence-based treatment interventions shows how to organize very early and intensive physical activity in young infants to stimulate motor development and growth therapies include the specificity of training and exercise, with emphasis on promoting muscle activity and preventing contracture by active instead of passive stretching methods include new interactive technologies in enhancing home-based training sessions carried out by the infant's family extensive referencing in each chapter for further study chapters feature "Annotations" which illustrate scientific findings

Rehabilitation psychology is one of the fastest growing fields in applied psychology and involves the application of psychological knowledge and skills to the understanding and treatment of individuals with physical disabilities. Rehabilitation psychologists aim to optimize outcomes in terms of health, independence, and daily functioning while also minimizing secondary health problems. The Oxford Handbook of Rehabilitation Psychology provides background and overview of the associated psychological processes and types of interventions that are critical in managing the consequences of disability and chronic disease. Psychological models and research have much to contribute to those working with the physical disabilities; this volume has a broad cognitive behavioral focus within the general banner of the biopsychosocial framework. The editor has successfully brought together contributions from a range of well-established and experienced researchers and practitioners from a wide variety of clinical and academic contexts. They highlight the critical psychological aspects, review applied interventions, and consider the wider conceptual, clinical and professional themes associated with disability and society.

A range of new and innovative tools used for preformulation and formulation of medicines help optimize pharmaceutical development projects. Such tools also assist with the performance evaluation of the pharmaceutical process, allowing any potential gaps to be identified. These tools can be applied in both basic research and industrial environment. Formulation tools for pharmaceutical development considers these key research and industrial tools.
Nine chapters by leading contributors cover: Artificial neural networks technology to model, understand, and optimize drug formulations; ME_expert 2.0: a heuristic decision support system for microemulsions formulation development; Expert system for the development and formulation of push-pull osmotic pump tablets containing poorly water-soluble drugs; SeDeM Diagram: an expert system for preformulation, characterization and optimization of tables obtained by direct compression; New SeDeM-ODT expert system: an expert system for formulation of orodispersible tablets obtained by direct compression; and 3D-cellular automata in computer-aided design of pharmaceutical formulations: mathematical concept and F-CAD software.
Coverage of artificial intelligence tools, new expert systems, understanding of pharmaceutical processes, robust development of medicines, and new ways to develop medicinesDevelopment of drugs and medicines using mathematical toolsCompilation of expert system developed around the world

Computational pre-screening of antigens is now routinely applied to the discovery of vaccine candidates.
Computer-aided vaccine design is a comprehensive introduction to this exciting field of study. The book is intended to be a textbook for researchers and for courses in bioinformatics, as well as a laboratory reference guide. It is written mainly for biologists who want to understand the current methods of computer-aided vaccine design. The contents are designed to help biologists appreciate the underlying concepts and algorithms used, as well as limitations of the methods and strategies for their use. Chapters include: MHC and T cell responses; Immunoglobulins and B cell responses; Scientific publications and databases; Database design; Computational T cell vaccine design; Computational B cell vaccine design; infectious disease informatics; Vaccine safety and quality assessments; and Vaccine adjuvant informatics.
Essential reading for any biologist who wants to understand methods of computer-aided vaccine designDescription of available data sources and publicly available software, with detailed analysis of strengths and weaknessesTheoretical concepts and practical examples of database design and development for a virtual screening campaign

Lethal Spots, Vital Secrets provides an ethnographic study of varmakkalai, or "the art of the vital spots," a South Indian esoteric tradition that combines medical practice and martial arts. Although siddha medicine is officially part of the Indian Government's medically pluralistic health-care system, very little of a reliable nature has been written about it. Drawing on a diverse array of materials, including Tamil manuscripts, interviews with practitioners, and his own personal experience as an apprentice, Sieler traces the practices of varmakkalai both in different religious traditions-such as Yoga and Ayurveda-and within various combat practices. His argument is based on in-depth ethnographic research in the southernmost region of India, where hereditary medico-martial practitioners learn their occupation from relatives or skilled gurus through an esoteric, spiritual education system. Rituals of secrecy and apprenticeship in varmakkalai are among the important focal points of Sieler's study. Practitioners protect their esoteric knowledge, but they also engage in a kind of "lure and withdrawal"--a performance of secrecy--because secrecy functions as what might be called "symbolic capital." Sieler argues that varmakkalai is, above all, a matter of texts in practice; knowledge transmission between teacher and student conveys tacit, non-verbal knowledge, and constitutes a "moral economy." It is not merely plain facts that are communicated, but also moral obligations, ethical conduct and tacit, bodily knowledge. Lethal Spots, Vital Secrets will be of interest to students of religion, medical anthropologists, historians of medicine, indologists, and martial arts and performance studies.

As medical devices become more intricate, with an increasing number of components made from a wide range of materials, it is important that they meet stringent requirements to ensure that they are safe to be implanted and will not be rejected by the human body. Joining and assembly of medical materials and devices provides a comprehensive overview of joining techniques for a range of medical materials and applications.
Part one provides an introduction to medical devices and joining methods with further specific chapters on microwelding methods in medical components and the effects of sterilization on medical materials and welded devices. Part two focuses on medical metals and includes chapters on the joining of shape memory alloys, platinum (Pt) alloys and stainless steel wires for implantable medical devices and evaluating the corrosion performance of metal medical device welds. Part three moves on to highlight the joining and assembly of medical plastics and discusses techniques including ultrasonic welding, transmission laser welding and radio frequency (RF)/dielectric welding. Finally, part four discusses the joining and assembly of biomaterial and tissue implants including metal-ceramic joining techniques for orthopaedic applications and tissue adhesives and sealants for surgical applications.
Joining and assembly of medical materials and devices is a technical guide for engineers and researchers within the medical industry, professionals requiring an understanding of joining and assembly techniques in a medical setting, and academics interested in this field.
Introduces joining methods in medical applications including microwelding and considers the effects of sterilization on the resulting joints and devicesConsiders the joining, assembly and corrosion performance of medical metals including shape memory alloys, platinum alloys and stainless steel wiresConsiders the joining and assembly of medical plastics including multiple welding methods, bonding strategies and adhesives

This issue of the Neurosurgery Clinics, Guest Edited by Drs. Jian, Ames, and Shaffrey, presents updates and state-of-the-art approaches to spinal deformity surgery. Spine surgery is a timely topics amongst neurosurgeons, and one that is continually evolving. Articles in this issue include Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation of Adult Spinal Deformity; Use of Surgimap in Osteotomy Planning, Correction Calculation, and Reciprocal Changes; Adolescent Scoliosis Classification and Treatment; Osteotomy for Rigid Deformity; Coronal Realignment, Reduction Techniques, and Complication Avoidance; Cervical Deformity; High Grade Sponylolisthesis; Proximal Junctional Kyphosis; and The Role of Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity.

Carbon is light-weight, strong, conductive and able to mimic natural materials within the body, making it ideal for many uses within biomedicine. Consequently a great deal of research and funding is being put into this interesting material with a view to increasing the variety of medical applications for which it is suitable. Diamond-based materials for biomedical applications presents readers with the fundamental principles and novel applications of this versatile material.
Part one provides a clear introduction to diamond based materials for medical applications. Functionalization of diamond particles and surfaces is discussed, followed by biotribology and biological behaviour of nanocrystalline diamond coatings, and blood compatibility of diamond-like carbon coatings. Part two then goes on to review biomedical applications of diamond based materials, beginning with nanostructured diamond coatings for orthopaedic applications. Topics explored include ultrananocrystalline diamond for neural and ophthalmological applications, nanodiamonds for drug delivery systems, and diamond nucleation and seeding techniques for tissue regeneration. Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of diamond materials for microfluidic devices.
With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Diamond-based materials for biomedical applications is an authoritative guide for all materials scientists, researchers, medical practitioners and academics investigating the properties and uses of diamond based materials in the biomedical environment.
Presents the fundamental principles and novel applications of this versatile materialDiscusses the functionalization of diamond particles and surfaces, biotribology and biological behaviour of nanocrystalinediamond coatings and blood compatibility of diamond-like carbon coatingsReviews nanostructured diamond coatings for orthopaedic coatings

The UK has a deservedly strong reputation for work on understanding social inequalities in health. But there is some way to go in ensuring that research and other types of knowledge are used to reduce inequalities in child health. This revised and updated edition of an important report looks at macro public policy interventions, community interventions, and individual level interventions in a variety of settings, and for a range of populations: infancy, early years, childhood and adolescence, and those with particular needs including looked after children. It considers 'what works' in practice. There are new case studies, updated research, and reference to cost effectiveness - particularly relevant for doing the right thing in a climate of austerity. Drawing on evidence from the UK and beyond, the book presents these in an accessible form not just for those who make decisions now, but also for the students of today who are the decision makers of tomorrow.

Maintaining the comprehensive coverage offered by the previous editions, this highly regarded text, now in its sixth edition and 32nd year of publication, is considered to be an indispensable resource for nurses and health care professionals engaged in the business of teaching and learning. Retaining the balance between theoretical issues and practical application, the text has been fully revised to reflect the most recent changes in nursing and nurse education including updated content on developments in teaching and learning, the introduction of the new NMC standards in the UK; developments in the NHS and the growing role of eLearning and technology.

Headache: Through the Centuries illuminates the history of headaches with a particular interest in how the disorder has been understood and treated since the earliest recorded accounts, dating from around 4000 BC. Different types of headache were being recognized as early as the 2nd century AD. Over the years, though, the classification of types of headache has changed so that headache patterns described in the past are often difficult to relate to present-day types of headache. Since that time, a great deal of material on the topic has become available, the full gamut of manifestations of the disorder has been described, and considerable insight into its mechanisms has been obtained, though no completely satisfactory explanation of the disorder has yet become available. Providing an extensive history and the development of our understanding of headache over the course of six millennia, Headache: Through the Centuries is thought-provoking and relevant reading for neurologists, medical historians, and anyone interested in headaches.

Implantable sensor systems offer great potential for enhanced medical care and improved quality of life, consequently leading to major investment in this exciting field. Implantable sensor systems for medical applications provides a wide-ranging overview of the core technologies, key challenges and main issues related to the development and use of these devices in a diverse range of medical applications.
Part one reviews the fundamentals of implantable systems, including materials and material-tissue interfaces, packaging and coatings, microassembly, electrode array design and fabrication, and the use of biofuel cells as sustainable power sources. Part two goes on to consider the challenges associated with implantable systems. Biocompatibility, sterilization considerations and the development of active implantable medical devices in a regulated environment are discussed, along with issues regarding data protection and patient privacy in medical sensor networks. Applications of implantable systems are then discussed in part three, beginning with Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for in-vivo applications before further exploration of tripolar interfaces for neural recording, sensors for motor neuroprostheses, implantable wireless body area networks and retina implants.
With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Implantable sensor systems for medical applications is a comprehensive guide for all those involved in the design, development and application of these life-changing technologies.
Provides a wide-ranging overview of the core technologies, key challenges and main issues related to the development and use of implantable sensor systems in a range of medical applicationsReviews the fundamentals of implantable systems, including materials and material-tissue interfaces, packaging and coatings, and microassemblyConsiders the challenges associated with implantable systems, including biocompatibility and sterilization

First published in 1963, "Advances in Parasitology" contains comprehensive and up-to-date reviews in all areas of interest in contemporary parasitology.
"Advances in Parasitology" includes medical studies on parasites of major influence, such as "Plasmodium falciparum" and trypanosomes. The series also contains reviews of more traditional areas, such as zoology, taxonomy, and life history, which shape current thinking and applications.
Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including control of human parasitic diseases and global mapping of infectious diseases. The 2010 impact factor is1.683.

* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field * Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts

As the demand for healthy, attractive teeth increases, the methods and materials employed in restorative dentistry have become progressively more advanced. Non-metallic biomaterials for tooth repair and replacement focuses on the use of biomaterials for a range of applications in tooth repair and, in particular, dental restoration.
Part one reviews the structure, modification and repair of dental tissues. The properties of enamel and dentin and their role in adhesive dental restoration are discussed, along with biomineralization and biomimicry of tooth enamel, and enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) for periodontal regeneration. Part two goes on to discuss the processing, bonding and wear properties of dental ceramics, glasses and sol-gel derived bioactive glass ceramics for tooth repair and replacement. Dental composites for tooth repair and replacement are then the focus of part three, including composite adhesive and antibacterial restorative materials for dental applications. The effects of particulate filler systems on the properties and performance of dental polymer composites are considered, along with composite based oral implants, fibre reinforced composites (FRCs) as dental materials and luting cements for dental applications.
With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-metallic biomaterials for tooth repair and replacement provides a clear overview for all those involved in the development and application of these materials, including academic researchers, materials scientists and dental clinicians.
Discusses the properties of enamel and dentin and their role in adhesive dental restorationChapters also examine the wear properties of dental ceramics, glasses and bioactive glass ceramics for tooth repair and replacementDental composites and antibacterial restorative mateirals are also considered

"Immune Biology of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation" provides clinical and scientific researchers with a deep understanding of the current research in this field and the implications for translational practice. By providing an overview of the immune biology of HSCT, an explanation of immune rejection, and detail on antigens and their role in HSCT success, this book embraces biologists and clinicians who need a broad view of the deeply complex processes involved. It then moves on to discuss the immunobiology mechanisms that influence graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect, and transplantation success. Using illustrative figures, highlighting key issues, describing recent successes and discussing unanswered questions, this book sums up the current state of HSCT to enhance the prospects for the future.

Allogeneic HSCT is a medical procedure in which a patient receives blood-forming stem cells from a genetically similar but not identical donor. This procedure is commonly performed for people with diseases of the blood, bone marrow, or certain cancers, but it remains risky with many possible complications. As such, experimental practice is reserved for preclinical animal models including the mouse and dog.

These animal models have been essential in developing transplant protocols, including preclinical testing of conditioning regimens, treatment of GVHD, and understanding the pathology of GVHD as well as the immunological mechanisms of GVHD and GVL effect. However, recent research has revealed significant species differences between humans and animal models that must be considered when relating animal model studies to clinical allogeneic HSCT scenarios.
Brings together perspectives leading laboratories and clinical research groups to highlight advances from bench to the bedsideGuides readers through the caveats that must be considered when drawing conclusions from studies with animal models before correlating to clinical allogeneic HSCT scenariosCategorizes the published advances in various aspects of immune biology of allegeneic HSCT to illustrate opportunities for clinical applications

Atlas of EEG, Seizure Semiology, & Management, Second Edition, is a richly-illustrated guide to the performance and interpretation of EEG and management of epilepsy. Revised and updated in its Second Edition, this new text features hundreds of detailed EEGs, and covers the science in extensive scope and detail, beginning with basic electronics and physiology and then moving through EEG interpretation, epilepsy diagnosis, and ultimately epilepsy management. The new edition also includes all basic classifications and definitions of seizures and epilepsy, making it the perfect clinical companion.
Atlas of EEG, Seizure Semiology, & Management utilizes full-color EEG presentations, alongside an easy-to-read synthesis of anatomy, physiology, and available treatment modalities. These detailed explanations of wave pattern, presentation, and treatment provide the student and practitioner with the most informed sense of clinical application and readiness. Atlas of EEG, Seizure Semiology, & Management covers every type of seizure, both epileptic and non-epileptic and divided into eight concise chapters. This unique atlas is necessary reading for all practicing neurologists, fellows, and residents.

The application of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics in cancer research requires an understanding of the many possibilities that NMR metabolomics can offer, as well as of the specific characteristics of the cancer metabolic phenotype and the open questions in cancer research. NMR metabolomics in cancer research presents a detailed account of the NMR spectroscopy methods applied to metabolomics mixture analysis along with a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages. Following an overview of the potential use of NMR metabolomics in cancer research, the book begins with an examination of the cancer metabolic phenotype and experimental methodology, before moving on to cover data pre-processing and data analysis. Chapters in the latter part of the book look at dynamic metabolic profiling, biomarker discovery, and the application of NMR metabolomics for different types of cancer, before a concluding chapter discusses future perspectives in the field.
Focused description of NMR spectroscopy needed by cancer biologists who are starting to use metabolomicsCurrent overview of knowledge related to the cancer metabolic phenotype from the perspective of metabolomics applicationsInformation about the best practices in NMR metabolomics experimentation and data preprocessing as applied to different sample types

The effective sterilisation of any material or device to be implanted in or used in close contact with the human body is essential for the elimination of harmful agents such as bacteria. Sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices reviews established and commonly used technologies alongside new and emerging processes.
Following an introduction to the key concepts and challenges involved in sterilisation, the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices using steam and dry heat, ionising radiation and ethylene oxide is reviewed. A range of non-traditional sterilisation techniques, such as hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, ozone and steam formaldehyde, is then discussed together with research in sterilisation and decontamination of surfaces by plasma discharges. Sterilisation techniques for polymers, drug-device products and tissue allografts are then reviewed, together with antimicrobial coatings for self-sterilisation and the challenge presented by prions and endotoxins in the sterilisation of reusable medical devices. The book concludes with a discussion of future trends in the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices.
With its distinguished editors and expert team of international contributors, Sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices is an essential reference for all materials scientists, engineers and researchers within the medical devices industry. It also provides a thorough overview for academics and clinicians working in this area.
Reviews established and commonly used technologies alongside new and emerging processesIntroduces and reviews the key concepts and challenges involved in sterilisationDiscusses future trends in the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices"

Medical devices play an important role in the field of medical and health technology, and encompass a wide range of health care products. Directive 2007/47/EC defines a medical device as any instrument, apparatus, appliance, software, material or other article, whether used alone or in combination, including the software intended by its manufacturer to be used specifically for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes and necessary for its proper application, intended by the manufacturer to be used for human beings. The design and manufacture of medical devices brings together a range of articles and case studies dealing with medical device R&D. Chapters in the book cover materials used in medical implants, such as Titanium Oxide, polyurethane, and advanced polymers; devices for specific applications such as spinal and craniofacial implants, and other issues related to medical devices, such as precision machining and integrated telemedicine systems.
Contains articles on a diverse range of subjects within the field, with internationally renowned specialists discussing each medical deviceOffers a practical approach to recent developments in the design and manufacture of medical devicesPresents a topic that is the focus of research in many important universities and centres of research worldwide

Protein folding is a process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape of conformation, and has been the subject of research since the publication of the first software tool for protein structure prediction. Protein folding in silico approaches this issue by introducing an ab initio model that attempts to simulate as far as possible the folding process as it takes place in vivo, and attempts to construct a mechanistic model on the basis of the predictions made. The opening chapters discuss the early stage intermediate and late stage intermediate models, followed by a discussion of structural information that affects the interpretation of the folding process. The second half of the book covers a variety of topics including ligand binding site recognition, the "fuzzy oil drop" model and its use in simulation of the polypeptide chain, and misfolded proteins. The book ends with an overview of a number of other ab initio methods for protein structure predictions and some concluding remarks.
Discusses a range of ab initio models for protein structure predictionIntroduces a unique model based on experimental observationsDescribes various methods for the quantitative assessment of the presented models from the viewpoint of information theory

Given the widespread use of polymers in medical devices, the durability and reliability of this material in use is an area of critical importance. Durability and reliability of medical polymers reviews the performance of both bioresorbable and non-bioresorbable medical polymers.
Part one provides a review of the types and properties of bioresorbable medical polymers. The effect of molecular structure on properties is discussed, along with the processing of bioresorbable and other polymers for medical applications. Transport phenomena and the degradation of bioresorbable medical polymers are reviewed, before an exploration of synthetic bioresorbable polymers and their use in orthopaedic tissue regeneration. Part two goes on to explore the durability and reliability of non-bioresorbable medical polymers, and wear processes in polymer implants and ageing processes of biomedical polymers in the body are discussed in depth, before an investigation into manufacturing defects and the failure of synthetic polymeric medical devices.
With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Durability and reliability of medical polymers is an essential tool for all materials scientists, researchers and engineers involved in the design, development and application of medical polymers, whilst also providing a helpful overview of the subject for biologists, chemist and clinicians.
Comprehensively examines the performance of both bioresorbable and non-bioresorbable medical polymersDiscusses the processing of bioresorbable and other polymers for medical applications, before reviewing the degradation of bioresorbable medical polymersExplores the durability and reliability of non-bioresorbable medical polymers and discusses wear processes in polymer implants and ageing processes of biomedical polymers in the body

The philosopher Henry Richardson's short book is a defense of a position on a neglected topic in medical research ethics. Clinical research ethics has been a longstanding area of study, dating back to the aftermath of the Nazi death-camp doctors and the Tuskegee syphilis study. Most ethical regulations and institutions (such as Institutional Review Boards) have developed in response to those past abuses, including the stress on obtaining informed consent from the subject. Richardson points out that that these ethical regulations do not address one of the key dilemmas faced by medical researchers - whether or not they have obligations towards subjects who need care not directly related to the purpose of the study, termed 'ancillary care obligations'. Does a researcher testing an HIV vaccine in Africa have an obligation to provide anti-retrovirals to those who become HIV positive during the trial? Should a researcher studying a volunteer's brain scan, who sees a possible tumor, do more than simply refer him or her to a specialist? While most would agree that some special obligation does exist in these cases, what is the basis of this obligation, and what are its limits? Richardson's analysis of those key questions and the development of his own position are at the heart of this book, which will appeal to bioethicists studying research ethics, to policy makers, and to political and moral philosophers interested in the obligations of beneficence, one of the key issues in moral theory.