Advances in Clinical Chemistry

Chapter One: Triglycerides Revisited to the Serial P.R.N. Viecili, B. da Silva, G.E. Hirsch, F.G. Porto, M.M. Parisi, A.R. Castanho, M. Wender and J.Z. Klafke

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 TG Concept, Structure, and Function
• 3 TG Regulation
• 4 Genetics of the TGs
• 5 TGs and the Cardiovascular System
• 6 Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia
• 7 Conclusions

Chapter Two: PCR-Based Detection Methods for Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism or Mutation: Real-Time PCR and Its Substantial Contribution Toward Technological Refinement K. Matsuda

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Prerequisites for Methods to Detect SNP or Mutation
• 3 The History of Development of Methods/Instrument Relevant to Detection of SNP/Mutation
• 4 Methods Employed in FDA Cleared or Approved Companion Diagnostic Devices for SNP or Mutation
• 5 Increase in Speed of PCR
• 6 Conclusion
• Acknowledgment

Chapter Three: Advances in Circulating Tumor DNA Analysis S. Perakis, M. Auer, J. Belic and E. Heitzer

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 History and Landmark Developments
• 3 The Biology of Circulating Tumor DNA
• 4 Preanalytical and Analytical Considerations
• 5 Methods
• 6 Clinical Use of ctDNA
• 7 ctDNA in Breast Cancer
• 8 ctDNA in Ovarian Cancer
• 9 ctDNA in CRC
• 10 Prostate Cancer
• 11 Lung Cancer
• 12 Melanoma
• 13 Conclusion and Outlook

Chapter Four: Advances in Molecular Diagnosis of Malaria Z. Zhenz and Z. Cheng

• Abstract
• 1 Basic Information About Malaria and the Parasite Plasmodium
• 2 Diagnostics in the Age of Malaria Elimination
• 3 Molecular Technologies for Malaria Diagnosis
• 4 Improving Sensitivity and Throughput for Molecular Diagnosis of Malaria
• 5 Conclusion

Chapter Five: Rapid Assessment of Drugs of Abuse J.R.Wiencek, J. Colby and J.H. Nichols

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Characteristics of Drug Testing
• 3 POCT Methodologies
• 4 Challenges With the Implementation of Point-of-Care Drug Tests
• 5 Validation of Drugs of Abuse POCT
• 6 Drugs of Abuse POCT Performance
• 7 Fooling the Urine Drug Test
• 8 Oral Fluid Drug Testing
• 9 Conclusion

Chapter Six: Infections: A Possible Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes S. Chakraborty, R. Bhattacharyya and D. Banerjee

• Abstract
• 1 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multifactorial Disease
• 2 Infections, Insulin Resistance, and T2DM
• 3 Possible Mechanisms for Pathogen-Induced Insulin Resistance
• 4 Pathogen Products and Insulin Resistance
• 5 Malnutrition, Acute-Phase Response, and Insulin Resistance
• 6 Concluding Remarks
• Acknowledgments