Böcker utgivna av American Medical Publishers

Bacteriophages are a type of virus which infect and replicate inside archaea and bacteria. They are made up of proteins which encapsulate either the RNA or DNA genome, and may have simple or complex structures. Their genomes can contain as few as four genes like MS2 or may contain hundreds of genes. Phages reproduce inside the bacterium, after their genome is injected into its cytoplasm. They are the most usual and distinct entities found in the biosphere. These viruses are ubiquitous in nature and can be discovered anywhere near bacteria. They can be used as a therapy against multi-drug-resistant strains for a variety of bacteria. Phages also interact with the immune system both directly and indirectly. They directly impact the bacterial clearance and innate immunity, and indirectly interact through bacterial expression of phage-encoded proteins. This book unravels the recent studies on bacteriophages. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Biomedical sensing and imaging are technologies that are helpful in acquiring and processing biomedical information, significant for timely detection, quick diagnosis and accurate treatment of the diseases. Biomedical sensors are electronic devices, which transform the biomedical signals into electric signals that can be measured easily. They are a significant component in different medical diagnostic equipment and instruments. Generally used biomedical sensing technologies like invasive ultrasound, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram have successful application in clinical medicine. Biomedical imaging presents a visual representation of internal structures, which are hidden beneath the skin and bones, and help in appropriate diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Generally utilized imaging technologies include radiology, radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, elastography and endoscopy. This book provides significant information to help develop a good understanding of the clinical applications of biomedical imaging and sensing techniques. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.

Aging refers to the process of growing older. It primarily applies to humans, fungi and certain other animals. Contrarily, there are certain simple animals, bacteria and perennial plants that are virtually immortal. It is a biological process. Usually, it is linked to the dynamic changes in the physiological, behavioral, biological, social, environmental and psychological processes. There are numerous symptoms of aging, which develop and start to show up with time. These symptoms include wrinkles, hair graying, high frailty, decline in female fertility, muscle loss, hearing loss, increased likelihood of osteoarthritis and menopause in females. There are various diseases associated with aging such as cataract, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, type-2 diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis. The occurrence of these diseases develops exponentially with age. This book unravels the recent studies on aging and the diseases associated with it. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

Aging is the process of getting older and it is generally related with dynamic changes in the physiological, biological, psychological, social and environmental processes. It occurs when the single cells in an organism cease to populate or divide. It increases the risk of various diseases in humans, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and stroke. Maintaining a good lifestyle is helpful in delaying and preventing aging. Higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil can reduce the mortality risk. Consumption of foods items such as alcohol, sugar, fried food, processed meats and refined carbohydrates accelerates aging. Physical exercise, avoiding chronic stress, and taking appropriate sleep helps in increasing the life expectancy. This book aims to understand the clinical perspectives of aging. Experts and students actively engaged in research on aging will find it full of crucial and unexplored information on the management of aging. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the topic.

Bacteria are single cell microbes, which have the capability to survive without any support, both inside and outside the human body. Several bacteria can be found in the human body, such as the bacteria present in the gut, which are helpful in the digestion of food. However, some bacteria can result in infections and can affect the skin, throat, bowel, lungs and other body parts. Majority of the infections are mild but in certain cases infection can be severe. Urinary tract infection, strep throat, ear infection, and cough are some examples of bacterial infections. They are caused due to bacteria entering the human body through cuts and openings in the skin, which multiply in number, thereby causing a reaction. Antibiotics are effective in treating majority of the infections, which kill and stop the bacteria from multiplying. Prevention of bacterial infections can be done by covering mouth while coughing and sneezing, washing hands and not sharing utensils. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to bacterial infections. Also included herein is a detailed explanation of the epidemiology and control of these infections. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a group of diseases including inflammatory non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic cirrhosis, simple hepatic steatosis and developing stages of fibrosis. It is also connected to other medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. It can be diagnosed through various methods such as by studying the medical history, conducting a physical examination and through different tests. A few of the tests which can help in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are blood tests, imaging tests and liver biopsy. Disease progression differs from individual to individual and is related to a variety of risk factors. A few of the major risk factors linked with NAFLD are hepatic oxidative stress, reduced very low-density lipoprotein secretion, imbalanced diet and lifestyle, and influx of free fatty acids to the liver from adipose tissue due to insulin resistance. The management of NAFLD can be done through reducing weight and improving physical activity. This book provides significant information to help develop a good understanding of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of this disease. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of this medical condition.

Aging refers to the physiological changes that are endured by an organism, which results in the deterioration of biological functions and the capability to adjust with the metabolic stress. It is a progression, which takes place during the life span of a living organism. Cells and organs, or the whole organism undergoes aging with the passage of time. Diseases related with age are basically difficulties that arise with senescence and they differ from the process of aging. Age related diseases include cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, hypertension, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and type-2 diabetes. The frequency of such diseases tends to increase with age. This book aims to understand the clinical perspectives of aging. Also included herein is a detailed explanation of the various mechanisms and interventions of aging and aging-related diseases. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in the field of aging and geriatric medicine.

Aphasia is a communication disorder that results from damage caused to those portions of the brain which are responsible for language. The disorder may develop slowly and occur suddenly following a stroke or head injury, as the result of a progressive neurological disease. Aphasia impairs the expressions, reading, writing and ability of a person to understand language. Broadly, there are two types of aphasia, namely, fluent and non-fluent aphasia. However, there are several sub-types of aphasia within these broad categories. The most common type of fluent aphasia named Wernicke's aphasia, results from damage to the temporal lobe of the brain. The most significant type of non-fluent aphasia is Broca's aphasia. People suffering from this disorder experience damage in the frontal lobe of the brain. This damage results in right-sided weakness or paralysis of the arm and leg. Treatment of aphasia primarily involves use of therapy which lays emphasis on restoring a person's communication abilities and making patients learn alternate ways of communication, such as gestures, pictures or electronic devices. This book contains some path-breaking studies on aphasia. It explores all the important studies on this disorder in the present day scenario. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.

Newborn screening involves a specialized collection of point-of-care tests and laboratory assessments that are conducted on newborn infants for discovering clinically occult but potentially serious illnesses, which requires immediate intervention. Furthermore, newborn screening can also consist of skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the mother, newborn examination, safe-sleep principles, newborn mental health issues, etc. It encompasses various processes such as diagnostic testing, parental education, disease management, follow-up and continuous assessment. The most important aspect of newborn screening is collecting a blood sample to test for hematologic, inheritable, metabolic and endocrine disorders. The targets of newborn screening usually comprise of those medical conditions, which will result in significant intellectual disability, mortality and morbidity without clinical intervention. This book aims to understand the clinical perspectives of newborn screening. Researchers and students in the field of neonatal care will be assisted by it.

Ataxia is a neurological disorder that is usually caused by damage and the eventual dysfunction of those parts of the nervous system, which are responsible for coordinating movements. Cerebellar ataxia is a type of ataxia that affects brain's cerebellum part. The most evident symptoms of ataxia include neurological dysfunction patterns such as gait abnormality, speech changes, deterioration of fine motor skills, and abnormalities in eye movements. Some other symptoms of ataxia are difficulty in swallowing leading to choking or coughing, tremors, shaking, or trembling in parts of the body, nystagmus, problems in maintaining balance, walking difficulties, and vision and hearing problems. Although there is no cure for ataxia, certain treatments can help relieve symptoms and ensure an improved quality of life for the patients. A patient's functionality and progress can be evaluated using certain diagnostic tools including imaging tests, blood tests, lumbar puncture and genetic testing. This book strives to provide a fair idea about the diagnosis and treatment of ataxia. It is meant for students looking for an elaborate reference text on this disease. This book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Damage to the language dominant side of the brain usually results in a condition called aphasia. In aphasia, the speech of a person is impaired. Although, any type of damage can cause aphasia, it is primarily caused by stroke. Cognitive neuropsychological techniques aim to identify the essential language skills or modules that are not functioning properly in each individual rather than putting them into a specific subtype. A person may struggle with a single module or a number of modules. These methods necessitate a framework or theory for determining which skills/modules are required to execute various types of language activities. Different types of speech and language therapies, such as visual communication therapy (VIC), functional communication therapy (FCT) and melodic intonation therapy (MIT) are helpful in managing aphasia. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the cognitive neuropsychological approach to aphasia. The topics covered herein offer the readers new insights in this condition. This book includes contributions of experts and scientists which will provide innovative insights into aphasia.

Meniere's disease, also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, is a chronic disorder of the inner ear that affects both hearing and balance. It can occur at any age, but it usually starts between young and middle-aged adulthood, and generally affects only one ear. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown but it can be caused due to genetic and environmental factors. The major symptoms of the disease are repeated events of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus. Hypersensitivity to sound is an important symptom that can be diagnosed by checking the loudness discomfort levels. The symptoms of this condition are often preceded by a headache, nausea, and sweating. Treatment and management of Meniere's disease requires a combination of medications, physical therapy, counseling and surgical methods, which help in relieving the symptoms and minimizing the long-term impact on life. This book covers in detail the clinico-audiological studies on Meniere's disease. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information on this disease as well as for medical professionals.

Vitamin D is a vitamin which increases the absorption of phosphorus and calcium from the intestine and stimulates their deposition into bones. The two most important types of vitamin D are vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Vitamin D3 is obtained by exposure to sunlight and dietary sources such as fish or other supplements. Whereas, few foods except mushrooms consist of vitamin D2, and primarily it is found in fortified foods and supplements. They both are varied by their side chain structure. The side chain of vitamin D3 consists of a broken ring; whereas vitamin D2 consists of a double bond among carbons 22 and 23 along with methyl group on carbon 24 in its broken ring. Vitamin D is essential for bone health of human beings. It is also helpful in decreasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases and cancer. This book aims to understand the physiology, molecular biology and clinical applications of vitamin D. It is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex studies on this topic. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area of study as well as for experts.

The branch of medicine which focuses on easing the suffering of the patients of chronic pain is known as pain management. Pain can cause changes in the physical and emotional health of a person. A combination of medication and provider-based interventions, like patient-specific recommendations for care, is typically involved in the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Repeated and frequent usage of pain medications involves the risk of adverse reactions, overuse, and dependency. Complimentary therapies offer an alternative method to lower the pain experience. This involves the use of natural products, and mind and body practices. This book outlines the processes and applications of pain management in detail. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail. Scientists and students actively engaged in this field will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts.

Veterinary virology is a major branch of veterinary medicine that studies viruses in non-human animals. Some of the viruses studied under this discipline are rhabdoviruses, foot and mouth disease viruses, pestiviruses, parvoviruses, coronaviruses, toroviruses and influenza etc. Rhabdoviruses are single stranded, negative sense RNA viruses which can infect a wide variety of animals. A few examples of rhabdoviruses are rabies virus and vesicular stomatitis virus. Foot and mouth disease viruses are non-enveloped, positive strand, RNA viruses that cause foot and mouth diseases in animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs. Pestiviruses are made up of single stranded, positive-sense RNA genomes. Diseases like classic swine fever and bovine viral diarrhea are caused due to these viruses. Parvoviruses are one of the tiniest viruses. They cause diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and lymphatic system. This book explores all the important aspects of veterinary virology. It also elucidates some of the vital pieces of work conducted across the world, on various topics related to this field. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Rheumatology is a field of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis and management of rheumatic diseases. The immune-mediated disorders of the musculoskeletal system, vasculitides, autoimmune diseases and heritable connective tissue disorders are under the scope of this field. These encompass degenerative arthropathies, systemic conditions and connective tissue diseases, inflammatory arthropathies, and soft tissue rheumatism. The diagnosis of a rheumatic disease may be based on multiple joint inspection, musculoskeletal examination, Schober''s test, ultrasounds, X-rays, and the chemical pathology and cytopathology of the fluid aspirated from affected joints. Rheumatic diseases are generally treated with NSAIDs, analgesics, steroids, monoclonal antibodies and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Rheumasurgical interventions may be directed at the prevention of disease progression or may be correctional interventions. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to rheumatology. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Occupational health is a multidisciplinary field that deals with the safety, health and welfare of people at work. Fostering a safe and healthy work environment is the primary goal of this domain. It also aims to protect co-workers, family members, employers, etc., who have chances of getting affected by the workplace environment. Occupational health has a strong focus on primary prevention of physical, biological and psychosocial hazards. Environmental health is the domain of public health that deals with all types of the natural and built environment that affect the human health. Environmental epidemiology, toxicology, exposure science, environmental engineering and environmental law are the five basic sub-sets that contribute to the branch of environmental health. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different areas of these fields and its applications. It explores all the important aspects of occupational and environmental health in the present day scenario. This book with its extensive content provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Otolaryngology is a subfield in medicine that focuses on the conditions of the ear, nose and throat. It also deals with the conditions of other related structures of head and neck. It is concerned with the surgical management of cancers and benign tumors of the head and the neck. The most important procedures of otolaryngology are free muscle and bone transfer, free skin and fat transfer as well as microvascular reconstruction repair. In free muscle surgery, a muscle is collected from the back or abdominal region to reconstruct the skull or cranial vault. Whereas the free bone transfers deal with the bone defects. Bone transfers are used for the mandibular reconstruction. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of otolaryngology. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about otolaryngology.

A medical condition in which the poor blood flow towards the brain causes cell death is known as a stroke. The two main types of stroke include ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the brain to meet metabolic demands that lead to cerebral hypoxia and causes the death of the brain tissues. Hemorrhagic stroke is a condition where bleeding occurs within the skull. A stroke could occur due to different reasons such as a blood clot around atherosclerotic plaques, arterial embolism, reduction of blood flow due to heart failure and hypertension. The most common signs and symptoms of a stroke include an inability to move or feel on one side of the body, problems in understanding or speaking, loss of vision to one side and dizziness. This book presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge. This book will also provide interesting topics for research which interested readers can take up.

The damage or disease related to the kidney is referred to as renal disease or kidney disease. The causes of kidney disease include deposition of the immunoglobulin A antibodies in the glomerulus, toxicity of chemotherapy agents, xanthine oxidase deficiency and long-term exposure to lead or its salts. Nephritis is an inflammatory kidney disease that has several types depending upon the location of the inflammation. It can be diagnosed by blood tests. Another common type of kidney disease is nephrosis. It is a non-inflammatory kidney disease. Nephritis can give rise to nephritic syndrome, while nephrosis can cause nephrotic syndrome. Kidney diseases cause loss of kidney functions and can ultimately cause kidney failure. The diagnosis and management of kidney disease is done by examining medical history, physical examination, a urine test and an ultrasound of the kidneys, known as renal ultrasonography. It can be treated through renal replacement therapy. The topics included in this book on kidney diseases are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. This book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) refer to a set of conditions in humans caused due to infection with HIV. The initial infection with the virus causes little or no symptoms, followed by a brief period of influenza-like illness. This period is succeeded by a long period with no symptoms. However, with the progression of the illness, a gradual shift in the immune response of the body emerges which is expressed with the incidence of common infections like tuberculosis, certain opportunistic infections and tumors which rarely affect people with a well-functioning immune system. HIV is contracted through unprotected sex, use of hypodermic needles, exposure to contaminated blood transfusions and mother to child HIV transmission during pregnancy, breast feeding and delivery. A patient may survive up to an average of 11 years without treatment. The disease can however be slowed down and patients can have a near-normal life expectancy, with antiretroviral therapies. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of HIV/AIDS. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing the understanding and management of this disease are examined in detail. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.

Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a set of metabolic disorders which are distinguished by high blood sugar levels for a long period. There are three major types of diabetes, named as type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is managed with insulin injections and type 2 is treated with medications with or without insulin. Gestational diabetes is treated through a diabetic diet along with exercise. The symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased hunger and thirst. If the proper treatment is not provided, it can cause various serious complications such as stroke, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, damage to the eyes and foot ulcers. The prevention of diabetes include the intake of a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and avoiding the use of tobacco. The topics included in this book on diabetes are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It unravels the recent studies in this field. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

A branch of medicine which deals with the diseases of nails, hair and skin is known as dermatology. It involves the use of medications as well as surgeries. A few of the major fields of dermatology are dermatopathology, trichology and pediatric dermatology. Dermatopathology is primarily concerned with the pathology of the skin. Trichology focuses on the diseases of the hair such as hair abnormalities, scalp changes, hypertrichosis, etc. Pediatric dermatology includes the complicated diseases of infants such as hereditary skin diseases and various other problems of the neonates. Dermatology also includes various therapies such as excision and treatment of skin cancer, radiation therapy, phototherapy and laser therapy and allergy testing. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of dermatology. It traces the progress of this field and highlights some of its key concepts and applications. The book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Geriatrics medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the health care of elderly people. The main aim of geriatrics medicine is to promote health by preventing and treating diseases and disabilities in elderly people. Geriatrics medicine focuses on the distinctive need of elderly persons. It focuses on the unique needs of elderly people which makes it quite different from standard adult medicine. Geriatrics medicine aims to treat diseases that are present and achieve healthy aging. It focuses on achieving the patient's highest priorities in the context of multiple chronic conditions, and on preserving function. It deals with increasing complexity, geriatric giants, and practical concerns. Some sub-specialties of geriatrics medicine are geriatric anesthesia, geriatric nutrition, geriatric pharmacy, geriatric podiatry, geriatric audiology, etc. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of geriatrics medicine. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.