3D printing is forecast to revolutionise the pharmaceutical sector, changing the face of medicine development, manufacture and use. Potential applications range from pre-clinical drug development and dosage form design through to the fabrication of functionalised implants and regenerative medicine. Within clinical pharmacy practice, printing technologies may finally lead to the concept of personalised medicines becoming a reality. This volume aims to be the definitive resource for anyone thinking of developing or using 3D printing technologies in the pharmaceutical sector, with a strong focus on the translation of printing technologies to a clinical setting. This text brings together leading experts to provide extensive information on an array of 3D printing techniques, reviewing the current printing technologies in the pharmaceutical manufacturing supply chain, in particular, highlighting the state-of-the-art applications in medicine and discussing modern drug product manufacture from a regulatory perspective. This book is a highly valuable resource for a range of demographics, including academic researchers and the pharmaceutical industry, providing a comprehensive inventory detailing the current and future applications of 3D printing in pharmaceuticals. Abdul W. Basit is Professor of Pharmaceutics at the UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London. Abdul's research sits at the interface between pharmaceutical science and gastroenterology, forging links between basic science and clinical outcomes. He leads a large and multidisciplinary research group, and the goal of his work is to further the understanding of gastrointestinal physiology by fundamental research. So far, this knowledge has been translated into the design of new technologies and improved disease treatments, many of which are currently in late-stage clinical trials. He has published over 350 papers, book chapters and abstracts and delivered more than 250 invited research presentations. Abdul is also a serial entrepreneur and has filed 25 patents and founded 3 pharmaceutical companies (Kuecept, Intract Pharma, FabRx). Abdul is a frequent speaker at international conferences, serves as a consultant to many pharmaceutical companies and is on the advisory boards of scientific journals, healthcare organisations and charitable bodies. He is the European Editor of the International Journal of Pharmaceutics. Abdul was the recipient of the Young Investigator Award in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and is the only non-North American scientist to receive this award. He was also the recipient of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) award. Simon Gaisford holds a Chair in Pharmaceutics and is Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics at the UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London. He has published 110 papers, 8 book chapters and 4 authored books. His research is focused on novel technologies for manufacturing medicines, particularly using ink-jet printing and 3D printing, and he is an expert in the physico-chemical characterisation of compounds and formulations with thermal methods and calorimetry.

This book reviews current knowledge on the importance of sleep for brain function, from molecular mechanisms to behavioral output, with special emphasis on the question of how sleep and sleep loss ultimately affect cognition and mood. It provides an extensive overview of the latest insights in the role of sleep in regulating gene expression, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis and how that in turn is linked to learning and memory processes. In addition, readers will learn about the potential clinical implications of insufficient sleep and discover how chronically restricted or disrupted sleep may contribute to age-related cognitive decline and the development of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression. The book consists of 19 chapters, written by experts in basic sleep research and sleep medicine, which together cover a wide range of topics on the importance of sleep and consequences of sleep disruption. This book will be of interest to students, researchers and clinicians with a general interest in brain function or a specific interest in sleep.

This book covers the most recent advances in using nanoparticles for biomedical imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic particle imaging (MPI), nuclear medicine, ultrasound (US) imaging, computed tomography (CT), and optical imaging. Topics include nanoparticles for MRI and MPI, siRNA delivery, theranostic nanoparticles for PET imaging of drug delivery, US nanoparticles for imaging drug delivery, inorganic nanoparticles for targeted CT imaging, and quantum dots for optical imaging. This book serves as a valuable resource for the fundamental science of diagnostic nanoparticles and their interactions with biological targets, providing a practical handbook for improved detection of disease and its clinical implementation.

This book explores comorbidity in patients with rheumatic diseases and details both care and treatment options in standard clinical practice. Patients with rheumatic diseases are clinically complex, and the interplay of their disease activity with associated conditions may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Recently there have been major advances in the management of rheumatic diseases, however, without addressing the potential comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease; pulmonary disease; and depression; outcomes remain poor. With its 19 chapters, covering the management of major rheumatic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus , and osteoarthritis), potential comorbidities and treatment recommendations, as well as possible interactions between conditions; this book addresses the gap between textbook medicine and day to day patients' care. Authors also discuss the new hot issue of the comorbidity index, comparing the standard tools to the recently developed indices and how they can assist the rheumatologists in determining disease burden, prognosis, and comorbidity probability. This book is an ideal clinical guide and reference that enables rheumatologists, internal medicine physicians, and residents to address the full clinical expression of these rheumatic diseases with views towards prevention or early management of comorbid conditions.

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is the first FDA approved cellular photoimmunotherapy for cancer, namely cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and has demonstrated efficacy in various diseases that have a suspected involvement of pathogenic T-cells including prevention and treatment of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, organ transplant rejection, selected autoimmune diseases and Sezary syndrome. In ECP, patient's blood mononuclear cells are collected, exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of extracorporeally administered liquid 8-methoxypsoralen and reinfused. Besides its considerable efficacy ECP has an exceptional safety profile, does not cause general immunosuppression and thus, does not increase risk of infectious complications and relapse of malignant disease. Exciting preclinical data and clinical observations provide insight into the mechanisms of action of ECP and support its immunomodulatory role. This book will provide an overview on the historical development of ECP, technical aspects for its use in various patient populations including children and adults, novel research findings both in preclinical models and in various patient cohorts and will stimulate further research in organ, tissue and cell transplantation and autoimmune disorders.

Synthetic Biology is already an object of intensive debate. However, to a great extent the discussion to date has been concerned with fundamental ethical, religious and philosophical questions. By contrast, based on an investigation of the field's scientific and technological character, this book focuses on new functionalities provided by synthetic biology and explores the associated opportunities and risks. Following an introduction to the subject and a discussion of the most central paradigms and methodologies, the book provides an overview of the structure of this field of science and technology. It informs the reader about the current stage of development, as well as topical problems and potential opportunities in important fields of application. But not only the science itself is in focus. In order to investigate its broader impact, ecological as well as ethical implications will be considered, paving the way for a discussion of responsibilities in the context of a field at a transitional crossroads between basic and applied science. In closing, the requirements for a suitable regulatory framework are discussed. The book is intended as a source of information and orientation for researchers, students and practitioners in the natural sciences and technology assessment; for members of scientific and technological, governmental and funding institutions; and for members of the general public interested in essential information on the current status, prospects and implications of synthetic biology.

This unique text is both an accessible introduction and specialist review of contemporary dramatherapy practice today. The collected chapters introduce critical and cohesive perspectives on dramatherapy as it is being practiced, developed and advanced in diverse contexts, and also investigate the connections between the discipline of dramatherapy both as an allied health profession, a form of psychotherapy and a traditional form of theatre and healing. In so doing, the volume unpicks the relationship between drama and therapy, exploring some of its key philosophies and practices, and examining its efficacy. Edited by two experienced lecturers and dramatherapists, the book stands as a timely and crucial resource for students and practitioners alike in this growing field. It is essential reading for students on dramatherapy, arts therapy and applied theatre degree programmes, and useful background reading for students of theatre and performance, counselling and psychotherapy.

Clinics in Developmental Medicine No. 178

For most children with cerebral palsy, the extent to which they can use their hands is critical to their overall development. Over the last two decades there have been major advances in the understanding of hand function. Particularly in children with cerebral palsy, assessment of hand function has become more exact and the range of possible interventions has expanded. Changes in treatment approaches can be seen in neurorehabilitation, orthopaedic management, developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation including occupational and physical therapy practices.In this book, selected experts from around the world in the fields of neuroimaging, neurology, orthopaedics, anatomy, motor control and motor learning provide fundamental theoretical information for the development of hand function in children with cerebral palsy. The book also shows how theory can be translated into practice by clinicians who provide assessment and intervention services to improve hand use in this population in sections written by researchers in occupational and physical therapy. Linking different fields of knowledge, this book highlights new perspectives and provides the best evidence for different types of intervention. By focusing only on hand function this essential book highlights new concepts for clinicians and others working towards the overall well-being of children with cerebral palsy.

This is the fourth updated and revised edition of a well-received book that emphasises on fungal diversity, plant productivity and sustainability. It contains new chapters written by leading experts in the field. This book is an up-to-date overview of current progress in mycorrhiza and association with plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The result is a must hands-on guide, ideally suited for agri-biotechnology, soil biology, fungal biology including mycorrrhiza and stress management, academia and researchers. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to researchers involved in mycorrhiza, especially to food security and environmental protection. Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.

During the last years computational methods lead to new approaches that can be applied within medical practice. Based on the tremendous advances in medical imaging and high-performance computing, virtual testing is able to help in medical decision processes or implant designs. Current challenges in medicine and engineering are related to the application of computational methods to clinical medicine and the study of biological systems at different scales. Additionally manufacturers will be able to use computational tools and methods to predict the performance of their medical devices in virtual patients. The physical and animal testing procedures could be reduced by virtual prototyping of medical devices. Here simulations can enhance the performance of alternate device designs for a range of virtual patients. This will lead to a refinement of designs and to safer products. This book summarizes different aspects of approaches to enhance function, production, initialization and complications of different types of implants and related topics.

This book covers the current research on the plant-based tropane alkaloids (TA) and TA-bearing plants. The first part includes an overview of "tropane alkaloids in context to diversity, biosynthesis and significance. The second part covers aspects of in-vitro and allied interventions in these alkaloids. TAs belong to one of the world's oldest phytomedicines with their valuable ethno-pharmacological applications. The book compiles scientific ideas, perspectives and challenges in this area. Further, the book attempts to investigate the loopholes in existing methodologies, challenges and possible solutions through well thought-out scientific discussions from various eminent research groups. This book is of high interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, plant biology and pharmacology. As the TAs are of high commercial medicinal value, this book is also a relevant collection of articles for industry experts.

With increasing urgency, decisions about the digitalized future of healthcare and implementations of new assistive technologies are becoming focal points of societal and scientific debates and addresses large audiences. Decisions require a careful weighing of risks and benefits and contextualizing in-depth ethical analysis with robust empirical data. However, up to now, research on social assistive technologies is mostly dispersed over different academic fields and disciplines. A comprehensive overview on discussions regarding values at stake and ethical assessment of recent developments especially in healthcare is largely missing. This publication initiates an interdisciplinary discourse on ethical, legal and social implications of socially assistive technologies in healthcare. Contributions include perspectives from nursing science, social sciences, philosophy, medical ethics, economics and law to present an - to our knowledge - first and comprehensive overview on different aspects of the use and implementation of socially assistive technologies from an ethical perspective. It combines practically relevant insights and examples from current research and development with ethical analysis to uncover exemplary moral tipping points between promotion of participation or well-being and risks and damages to these values. Healthcare professionals involved in implementation of smart technologies as well as scholars from the field of humanities, nursing and medicine, interested in the discussions on ethics and technology in healthcare, will benefit from this new contribution. The publication is part of the international DigitAs conference "Aging between Participation and Simulation - Ethical Dimensions of Socially Assistive Technologies" held at the Institute of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine (Ruhr University Bochum) from 4 February to 8 February 2019. Within this framework, twelve young scholars were invited to discuss their contributions with renowned experts in the field. The Institute of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine is one of the leading institutes in empirically informed ethical analysis in healthcare and medicine and is a member of the European Association of Centres of Medical Ethics (EACME).

As technology becomes an increasingly vital aspect of modern social interaction, the field of disability informatics and web accessibility has made significant progress in consolidating theoretical approaches and exploring new application domains for those with motor and cognitive disabilities. Disability Informatics and Web Accessibility for Motor Limitations explores the principles, methods, and advanced technological solutions in the use of assistive technologies to enable users with motor limitations. This book is essential for academia, industry, and various professionals in fields such as web application designers, rehabilitation scientists, ergonomists, and teachers in inclusive and special education. This publication is integrated with its pair book Assistive Technologies and Computer Access for Motor Disabilities.

The cognitive and behavioral implications of sleep deprivation have been noted in the medical literature for many years. In addition, emerging research continues to demonstrate the contribution of sleep deprivation to some of the most common and costly health conditions today.

"Sleep Deprivation and Disease" provides clinically relevant scientific information to help clinicians, public health professionals, and researchers recognize the ramifications of sleep deprivation across a broad spectrum of health topics. This timely reference covers sleep physiology, experimental approaches to sleep deprivation and measurement of its consequences, as well as health and operational consequences of sleep deprivation. Clinical challenges and areas of uncertainty are also presented in order to encourage future advancements in sleep medicine and help patients avoid the outcomes associated with the myriad causes of sleep deprivation.

Every day for the next twenty years, more than 10,000 people in the United States will turn 65. With life expectancies increasing as well, many of these Americans will eventually require round-the-clock attention--and we have only begun to prepare for the challenge of caring for them. In Labors of Love, Jason Rodriquez examines the world of the fast-growing elder care industry, providing a nuanced and balanced portrait of the day-to-day lives of the people and organizations that devote their time to supporting America's aging population. Through extensive ethnographic research, interviews with staff and management, and analysis of internal documents, Rodriquez explores the inner workings of two different nursing homes--one for-profit and one non-profit--to understand the connections among the administrative regulations, the professional requirements, and the type of care provided in both types of facilities. He reveals a variety of challenges that nursing home care workers face day to day: battles over the budget; the administrative hurdles of Medicaid and Medicare; the employees' struggle to balance financial stability and compassionate care for residents. Yet, Rodriquez argues, nursing home workers give meaning and dignity to their work by building emotional attachments to residents and their care. An unprecedented study, Labors of Love brings new insight into the underlying structures of a crucial and expanding sector of the American health care system.

The purpose of this book is to provide public health, disability, and rehabilitation professionals and practitioners evidence-based science with respect to health disparities faced by people with disabilities, especially people with mobility limitations; alternative methods of rehabilitation and exercise science for this population; assistive device technology; and, improved access to health care, employment, and social participation. According to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), approximately 57 million Americans live with a disability. Disability severity and types vary considerably, such that each individual with a disability faces unique physical, social, and environmental barriers in order to enjoy quality of life and full participation in society. A large research literature shows that people with disabilities face substantial employment and health disparities compared to people without disabilities. People with mobility limitations often experience secondary conditions to compound their primary disability. Hollar (2013) and Hollar and Lewis (2015) showed that people with mobility limitations were significantly more likely to experience obesity and lack of access to physical exercise. Other studies have shown that access to proper physical examination facilities and equipment remain a substantial barrier in many clinics and hospitals despite the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act 25 years ago. Research on alternative exercise programs and new assistive device technologies offers promise to improve physical functioning and exercise for people with mobility limitations. Furthermore, increased focus on biopsychosocial over traditional medical models for disability will help policymakers and the public to recognize the complex, contextual issues (e.g., personal, social, environmental) that affect the lives of people with disabilities. Readership includes public health practitioners and educators, disability and rehabilitation researchers, clinicians and sports medicine practitioners, and disability advocates. There have been general handbooks on disability, but advances in technology and alternative exercise programs, as well as novel disability health programs, are dispersed in the research literature. This book will help to highlight these programs for health policy experts, especially given the high health and social disparities experienced by this population.

Nanobiomaterials in Medical Imaging presents the latest developments in medical exploratory approaches using nanotechnology. Leading researchers from around the world discuss recent progress and state-of-the-art techniques. The book covers synthesis and surface modification of multimodal imaging agents, popular examples of nanoparticles and their applications in different imaging techniques, and combinatorial therapy for the development of multifunctional nanocarriers. The advantages and potential of current techniques are also considered. This book will be of interest to postdoctoral researchers, professors and students engaged in the fields of materials science, biotechnology and applied chemistry. It will also be highly valuable to those working in industry, including pharmaceutics and biotechnology companies, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and advanced clinicians.