Medical diagnosis of tissue anomalies, particularly cancer, is often limited by the constraints of current imaging technologies. This book introduces two approaches to address this issue: the imaging and the non-imaging methods. In the imaging category, the book unveils a pioneering technique based on radio tomosynthesis. Initially proven effective in detecting breast anomalies, this imaging method is now under evaluation for its potential in identifying brain anomalies. For non-imaging diagnostics, it delves into Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a technique known for its speed and reliability. The book demonstrates its successful application in diagnosing a range of cancers, including oral, uterine, ovarian, gastrointestinal, colorectal, and skin cancers. Furthermore, it explores its utility in predicting embryo quality and assessing pressure injuries. To augment these methods, the book employs machine learning algorithms, evaluating their efficacy in creating discriminative models for tissue anomalies.

Birth defects have assumed an importance even greater now than in the past because infant mortality rates attributed to congenital anomalies have declined far less than those for other causes of death, such as infectious and nutritional diseases. As many as 50 % of all pregnancies terminate as miscarriages, and in the majority of cases this is the result of faulty intrauterine development. Major congenital malformations are present in at least 2 % of all liveborn infants, and 22 % of all stillbirths and infant deaths are associated with severe congenital anomalies. Not surprisingly, there has been a great proliferation of research into the problems of developmental abnormalities over the past few decades. This series, Advances in the Study of Birth Defects, was conceived in order to provide a comprehensive focal source of up-to-date information for physi cians concerned with the health of the unborn child and for research workers in the fields of fetal medicine and birth defects. The first four volumes featured recent experimental work on selected areas of high priority and intensive investigation, including mechanisms of teratogenesis, teratological evaluation, molecular and cellular aspects of abnormal development, and neural and behavioural teratology. It seems logical and timely that the clinical aspects should now be presented. Accordingly, leading experts were invited to review a broad range of common problems from the standpoint of embryology, aetiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management. This volume deals with genetic disorders and prenatal diagnosis.

An Up-to-Date Toolbox for Probing Biology Biophysics: Tools and Techniques covers the experimental and theoretical tools and techniques of biophysics. It addresses the purpose, science, and application of all physical science instrumentation and analysis methods used in current research labs. The book first presents the historical background, concepts, and motivation for using a physical science toolbox to understand biology. It then familiarizes undergraduate students from the physical sciences with essential biological knowledge. The text subsequently focuses on experimental biophysical techniques that primarily detect biological components or measure/control biological forces. The author describes the science and application of key tools used in imaging, detection, general quantitation, and biomolecular interaction studies, which span multiple length and time scales of biological processes both in the test tube and in the living organism. Moving on to theoretical biophysics tools, the book presents computational and analytical mathematical methods for tackling challenging biological questions including exam-style questions at the end of each chapter as well as step-by-step solved exercises. It concludes with a discussion of the future of this exciting field. Future innovators will need to be trained in multidisciplinary science to be successful in industry, academia, and government support agencies. Addressing this challenge, this textbook educates future leaders on the development and application of novel physical science approaches to solve complex problems linked to biological questions. Features: Provides the full, modern physical science toolbox of experimental and analytical techniques, such as bulk ensemble methods, single-molecule tools, and live-cell and test tube methods Incorporates worked examples for the most popular physical science tools, including full diagrams and a summary of the science involved in the application of the tool Reinforces the understanding of key concepts and biological questions A solutions manual is available upon qualifying course adoption.

This textbook describes the study of radiation, covering the basic concepts and their advanced applications, and highlights the handling of radioisotopes and radiation measurements using various instruments. The book also focuses on the effects and up-to-date applications of radiation on biological systems and their use in diagnosing and treating various diseases. Chapters provide an easy understanding of the subject matter with the help of self-explanatory, well-illustrated figures and easy-to-grasp language. “Tools and Techniques in Radiation Biophysics” is designed for undergraduate and post-graduate studying radiation Biophysics as one of the major courses in medical physics, nuclear medicine, biophysics, and other applied sciences. The multi-disciplinary approach of this book facilitates learning and a deep understanding of the concepts and helps the readers develop an interest in the subject so that they can pursue their careers efficiently in this field. Researchers and lecturers will value this book to enhance their knowledge and clarify queries.

This is the first interdisciplinary reference dedicated to the application of computational methods in biophysics, biomaterials, biotechnology and medical aystems research. (Midwest).

Placenta plays a very significant role in the development of secretory and regulatory functions for the maintenance of pregnancy and in the nutrition of the embryo. It shares many functions of the heart, lung, liver, endocrines, and other organs. In Placental Pharmacology, fourteen expert authors discuss how placenta and its component parts can be used effectively in drug development research and in the study of transfer mechanisms across membranes. This reference begins by describing the use of modern biophysical methods to study placental function and prospects for their application in pharmacological research. The next three chapters deal with placental hemodynamics, use of placental tissues and cells in pharmacological assays, and placental transfer of drugs used in pregnancy. Three more chapters contain up-to-date information on molecular biological aspects of placenta currently receiving lots of attention - phospholipase A2 isozymes, imprinted genes and embryogenesis, and placental growth factors. The final chapter describes the clinically relevant topics of placental metabolism and toxicity of homocysteine in placenta. Easy to understand, thorough, and complete, Placental Pharmacology is the perfect resource for scientists interested in placenta and its uses in drug development and testing.