Advances in Medicine and Biology. Volume 141

In the opening chapter of Advances in Medicine and Biology. Volume 141, the authors describe the importance of the response of photon counting detectors, as well as taking into consideration the detector’s response when analyzing objects using a multi-pixel-type photon counting detector for medical X-ray imaging. Following this, the authors discuss how the image quality of radionuclide tomography strongly depends on the method of reconstruction, which can be broadly classified into two types: filtered back projection and iterative reconstruction. Vitamin E function, metabolism, nutritional recommendation and the role of biofortification is also addressed. The authors discuss poly(methyl methacrylate), an artificial polymer resin that can be produced through distinct processes, including solution, suspension and emulsion polymerizations. Particularly, poly(methyl methacrylate) is completely amorphous, but presents high tensile strength and excellent dimensional stability due to its rigid polymer chains. Next, the authors highlight the taxonomy, description and characterization tests of carbapenem resistant bacteria in the environment, as well as epidemiology updates and clinical aspects of infections caused by these microorganisms. Nutrient conditions affect the reproductive potential and life span of many organisms through the insulin signaling pathway. Although this is well characterized in female oogenesis, it has been shown that male reproductive organ also acts as a nutrient sensor to optimize fecundity. The closing chapter discusses the Drosophila male accessory gland, as it has functions similar to those of the mammalian prostate gland and the seminal vesicle, and secretes accessory gland proteins into the seminal fluid.