How stem cells behave is very much a factor of their local microenvironment, also known as the stem cell niche. Physical, chemical, or electrical signals from the neighboring cells or biochemical signals from distant cells are crucial in the cell fate decision process. A major challenge of tissue engineering is to mimic the natural cell environment by designing very sophisticated scaffolds able not only to mechanically support cells, but also to release signals biologically relevant for governing stem cell fate. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal interaction of stem cells...

Information on the changing epidemiology and expanding nosological range of Q fever in humans has gained much attention in the past decade. Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the highly infectious pathogen Coxiella burnetii and has global distribution with important health, social and economic implications. A number of other properties and characteristics of the causative agent and disease, define Q fever as a lasting and difficult veterinary and epidemiological problem, namely: the adaptability of C. burnetii and its high resistance in the external environment; the possibility of the...

Covers numerous recent technological and research accomplishments in the area of nanomedicine and tissue engineering. This book follows recent trends in drug delivery systems, wound healing fields, cancer therapies, protection of teeth and also other health care systems.

Chlamydiae are a group of obligate intracellular microorganisms with a homogeneous group-specific antigenic structure, and a unique mode of development. The infections caused by them are widespread. Based on scientific facts and the analysis of literature, and the experience of the author, Chlamydiae and Chlamydial Infections sheds light on the problems caused by these infections.