Hyperbilirubinemia of the neonate and the related risk of brain damage with conseguent important alterations in motor development, particularly in sick preterm babies, remains a major problem in nurseries throughout the world. Since its introduction in the 1950's phototherapy has been used for reducing serum bilirubin concentrations in the newborn with hyperbilirubinemia; however, only recently the photoprocesses invoked by light on various substrates including bilirubin have been clari fied in sufficient detail. Light treatment actually exemplifies the intimate relationship between the clinical and basic sciences: the better understanding of the mechanism of phototherapy as a result of investigations initiated in the laboratory has been extended to the bedside as new types of lamps or new schedules of treatment. As a consequence, phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemia has emerged as a well-established branch of photomedicine, based on molecular photo biology, scientific method, and creative use of physics and sophis ticated electrooptical capabilities. The collaboration and exchange of information between workers in different basic and clinical di sciplines is likely to stimulate a further optimization of photo therapy. The purpose of this monograph is to discuss some of the new aspects of bilirubin metabolism and phototherapeutic treatment. Bilirubin conjugation in the fetal and early neonatal life, the mechanism of bilirubin entry into the brain, the measurements of bilirubin concentration in the skin and serum bilirubin binding capacity are discussed by a number of prominent neonatologists.

A complete, authoritative guide to the management and treatment of neonatal jaundice Care of the Jaundiced Neonate focuses exclusively on the scientific underpinnings of jaundice, as well as the care of the jaundiced neonate. Edited by three of the field’s most respected neonatal care experts, the book uniquely explains how the imbalance between bilirubin production and elimination leads to jaundice—and that hazardous levels of unconjugated bilirubin can cause kernicterus, or brain damage. In addition, you’ll find the most current and clinically relevant perspectives on the physiology, genetics, and treatment of neonatal jaundice and related hemolytic conditions. FEATURES Covers all aspects of neonatal jaundice—from the biochemistry of bilirubin production to kernicterus Begins with an in-depth examination of the complex gene-environment interactions of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity and its role in neonatal jaundice Surveys bilirubin production and measurement, its various fractions, and the metabolism and transport of bilirubin Selected chapters highlight the physiology and epidemiology of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia; bilirubin toxicity; prevention, screening, and postnatal management; phototherapy and other treatments; and prevention-related public policy. Concluding chapter provides an overview of the key issues surrounding the incidence of neonatal jaundice in low-middle income countries Includes informative review of risk assessment and treatment with phototherapy and other modalities provide key approaches to the effective clinical management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

There has been a tremendous amount of scientific progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of transport processes in the liver within the last few years. Cloning of various members of organic anion and cation transporters has provided the necessary tools to study their regulation under physiological and pathophysiological conditions and has advanced our knowledge about bile formation. Mutations of various hepatic organic anion transporters have been identified in humans as hereditary defects leading to the heterogenous syndrome of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Various mouse models including knockout animals have given us the opportunity to gain insight into lipid transport by the liver and the genetics of cholesterol gallstone formation. The physiology of bile duct cells and the molecular mechanisms leading to various cholangiopathies have been a main scientific focus in hepatology in recent years. Drug targeting to the liver by hepatic organic anion transporters represents an attractive way of selective delivery of pharmaceutical agents in humans. Ursodeoxycholic acid is successfully used in the treatment of patients with chronic cholestatic liver disease and major advances have been made in understanding its mode of action in liver and bile duct cells. This book, the proceedings of the Falk Workshop held in Aachen, Germany, on 25-26 January 2001, contains chapters on all important aspects of biliary transport by well-known experts in this field. It is an essential resource for new developments in the field of biliary transport, both in basic science and clinical medicine.

This landmark book, a reference work now in its second edition, provides healthcare practitioners in neonatology with an up-to-date, comprehensive source of readily accessible practical advice that will assist in the expert management of patients and their diverse illnesses. Leading experts in their fields discuss the underlying causes and mechanisms and all aspects of the treatment of the full range of neonatal diseases and abnormalities, citing the evidence base whenever appropriate. In addition, detailed information is provided on epidemiology and fetal medicine; therapeutic issues such as the organization of care, transport services, and home care after discharge; legal issues; nutrition; and the consequences of medication use during pregnancy, maternal drug abuse and smoking, and maternal diabetes. The inclusion of summaries, tables, and carefully selected guidelines and recommendations will supply practitioners with quick references and instant solutions during daily practice. The book will be a superb resource for all involved in the care of newborn babies, including neonatologists, pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, midwives, and nursing staff. It is published within the SpringerReference program, which delivers access to living editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.

This book has been written to summarise the available knowledge regarding transcutaneous bilirubinometry, the first technique that allows a completely non-invasive measurement of a clinical variable. This technique led to important changes in the management of neonatal jaundice, the most common clinical condition of new-born infants world-wide. Transcutaneous bilirubinometry has its roots in the old observation that yellow skin colour is due to the deposition of bilirubin, a chromophore molecule. More recently, transcutaneous bilirubinometry has involved many disciplines; and accordingly, this book has contributions from physicists, biologists, paediatric dermatologists and neonatologists who have clinical research expertise in the field of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. We hope that this book may prompt the advancement of research that will answer the as-yet unanswered questions, improve the reliability and usefulness of transcutaneous bilirubinometry, and respond to the clinical needs of our little patients.

These are the proceedings of the International Conference on ISMAC-CVB, held in Palladam, India, in May 2018. The book focuses on research to design new analysis paradigms and computational solutions for quantification of information provided by object recognition, scene understanding of computer vision and different algorithms like convolutional neural networks to allow computers to recognize and detect objects in images with unprecedented accuracy and to even understand the relationships between them. The proceedings treat the convergence of ISMAC in Computational Vision and Bioengineering technology and includes ideas and techniques like 3D sensing, human visual perception, scene understanding, human motion detection and analysis, visualization and graphical data presentation and a very wide range of sensor modalities in terms of surveillance, wearable applications, home automation etc. ISMAC-CVB is a forum for leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results about all aspects of computational vision and bioengineering.

Completely revised new edition of the premier reference on pediatric liver disease. Liver Disease in Children, 3rd Edition provides authoritative coverage of every aspect of liver disease affecting infants, children, and adolescents. The book offers an integrated approach to the science and clinical practice of pediatric hepatology and charts the substantial progress in understanding and treating these diseases. Chapters are written by international experts and address the unique pathophysiology, manifestations, and management of these disorders in the pediatric population. The third edition has been thoroughly updated and features new contributions on liver development, cholestatic and autoimmune disorders, fatty liver disease, and inborn errors of metabolism. With the continued evolution of pediatric hepatology as a discipline, this text remains an essential reference for all physicians involved in the care of children with liver disease.