Medical research Books

Book SynopsisThis book describes cases in medical and pediatrics field in which physicians may encounter in daily practice. Case reports in our book were conducted in a broad range of medical field (medical acupuncture, internal medicine, pediatrics, sports medicine, physical, and rehabilitation, infectious disease, dermatology, and venereology, pulmonology, psychiatry, emergency, and critical care). We combined common and unusual but unique cases in daily practice, which readers will find very interesting. Chapters are divided by nine specific fields including medical acupuncture, internal medicine, sports medicine, physical, and rehabilitation, infectious disease, dermatology and venereology, pulmonology, psychiatry, emergency and critical care, and pediatrics. Our cases are original and might have unexpected presentations of a new and emerging disease. This book will expand knowledge in the field of medicine that is written by our best practitioners and specialists. This valuable bundle of 61 case reports provides access to the case (history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests including laboratory, imaging, and histopathological examination), differential diagnosis, treatment, and educational messages for suggested case solutions. Approach to the cases is explained step-by-step with clear explanations of theory and practice. Essential key learning points and references are included in every case to aid the physician to understand better about the disease and to improve the patient outcomes.

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Book SynopsisCenturies ago, predicting was an enterprise entrusted to magic and fortune tellers, while today it is the domain of knowledge to which researchers and scientists contribute daily, analyzing and interpreting pathologies, trying to decode the complexity of life, represented by unresolved problems. Regenerating damaged organs and tissues, an act that was also once called magic, is now entrusted to the same scientists and translational surgeons who, through the entrance of the laboratory in the operating room, have allowed us to move from replacement surgery (hair transplant) to regenerative surgery (hair re-growth) with cell therapies and tissue engineering. The passion for Regenerative Plastic Surgery and for the treatment of some pathologies addressed by it, such as Alopecia, has led, over the years, the author and publisher Prof. Pietro Gentile to better investigate, through rigorous scientific studies, the possible new autologous therapies in the treatment of alopecia. This book represents all the latest knowledge in the treatment and prevention of Alopecia, transmitted by all the experts who have decided to contribute to the realization of this work. The visionary idea of this text is therefore to provide the state of the art at the end of the year 2019 in the field of Alopecia.Table of ContentsPreface; Psychological Impact of Alopecia; Androgenetic Alopecia: Diagnosis, Clinical Assessment and Traditional Treatment; Alopecia Areata: Risk Factors, Treatment and Impact on Quality of Life; A Unique Cocktail of Regenerative Trichology Powered with Right Nutrition-A Novel Approach to Address Hair Disorders; Growth Factor Rich Therapies for the Treatment of Hair Loss; Autologous Micro-Grafts Containing Human Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HF-MSCs) from Scalp Tissue: Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia; Platelet Rich Plasma: Clinical Use in Androgenetic Alopecia and Biomolecular Pathway Analysis; Three- Co-Fat; FDA and European Rules Regarding Use of Adipose Derived-Stromal Vascular Cells (AD-SVFs) and Human Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HF-MSCs) in Hair Re-Growth; Index.

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Book SynopsisVirtually all cervical cancer cases are caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV), mainly HPV-16 and HPV-18. Furthermore, HPVs may cause other types of cancer, such as squamous anal cancers and vulvar cancer. In men, HPVs are associated with genital lesions, anal cancer, penile cancer, and head and neck cancers. As such, this compilation focuses on recent findings in HPV epidemiology, prevention, and updates regarding prophylatic HPV vaccines. Bioinformatics tool are important in the analysis of molecular and biological data, which could provide novel insights on the development of treatment and prevention methods for disease control. Through bioinformatics, it is possible to analyze and simulate HPV molecular data through the use of universal databases and analysis tools, in order to better understand the virus genetics and infection cycle. In conclusion, Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs): Detection, Infection and Protection appraises HPV vaccines for the prophylaxis of HPV infection in healthy individuals. Vaccines used for earlier varieties are Gardasil (Merck, Kenilworth, NJ, U.S.A.) and Cervarix (GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, U.K.).Table of ContentsPreface; An Update in the Detection, Prevention, and Transformation Potential of Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs); Bioinformatics as an Auxiliary Tool for the Treatment and Prevention of Human Papillomavirus Infection; Prophylaxis of Cancers from Human Papilloma Viruses (HPVs); Bibliography; Related Nova Publications; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains comprehensive and up-to-date reviews of multidrug resistance mechanisms. The book intends to provide a state-of-the-art collection of reviews and methods for both basic and clinician investigators who are interested in multidrug resistance mechanisms and reversal strategies. We believe that this information will be of value to clinicians, epidemiologists, microbiologists, virologists, parasitologists, public health authorities, medical students, and fellows in training. Each chapter begins with a summary of the concepts, so that those not actively working in the field can readily gain an overall picture of what follows. The book contains 13 chapters which deal with the antibiotic resistance mechanism in bacteria, fungus, virus and also methicillin resistance S.aureus. The book also explains the futuristic strategy to deal with the antibiotic resistance. We have endeavoured to provide this information in a style that is accessible to the broad community of persons who are concerned with the impact of drug resistance in our clinics and across broader global communities.Table of ContentsPreface; History of Drug-Resistant Microbes; Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria; Infectious Pathogens, Pathogenesis, Antimicrobial Therapy, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Surveillance Measures; Fungal Resistance to Antibiotics; Antibiotic Resistance and Tolerance in Bacterial Biofilm; Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): An Overview; Mechanism of Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Viral Drug Resistance; Strategies for Circumventing Antimicrobial Resistance; Metallic Nanoparticles in Tackling of Antimicrobial Resistance; Plant Antimicrobials: An Alternative for Overcoming Microbial Resistance; Algae: Novel Cell Factories for Antimicrobial Compounds to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance; Microbial Resistance: A Worldwide Public Health Problem; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of the current antibacterial techniques and main strategies being employed for controlling the colonisation of bacteria on surfaces, together with the design of antibacterial surfaces and their fabrication techniques. The authors discuss the characteristic mechanisms of five main aspects of antibacterial agents and the corresponding representative type of antibacterial agents. In addition, recent findings in (meth)acrylate hydrogels containing metal ions with antimicrobial properties are summarized. Antibiotics, commonly referred to as "wonder drugs", have been used for various therapeutic purposes for decades. As such, this compilation addresses a concomitant problem: the emergence of drug resistance. Antimicrobial adjuvants can aid in the prevention of antimicrobial resistance by suppressing the emergence of bacterial resistance and rejuvenating the antimicrobial activity of currently available commercial antibiotics cost-effectively.

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Book SynopsisIn Horizons in Cancer Research. Volume 76, the molecular drivers associated with prostate cancers at different stages which can be exploited as drug targets are discussed. This information will be useful for designing rational targeted therapeutic strategies for treatment of this disease. Following this, the authors discuss lung cancer early diagnosis with traditional and alternative approaches. In lung cancer, smoking exposure has been identified as the main causative agent in smokers. A critical appraisal of the different updated techniques in the mediastinal staging of lymph nodes in lung cancer is provided. The authors also provide an overview of colorectal cancer and Ca2+ signalling in cells, focusing their discussion on a specific component of the Ca2+ signalling machinery, the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 channel. Breast cancer, a serious public health problem, is assessed, maintaining that women need accurate and effective information in order to attain early diagnosis. Lastly, a simple technique to decreases cell-culture pH while maintaining sterile technique is described.Table of ContentsPreface; Insights into the Molecular Drivers of Prostate Cancer; Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis: The Soon-er, the Better; Smoking Exposure Accelerated the Normal Lung to Become Cancers; Lymph Nodes Mediastinal Staging in Lung Cancer: A Critical Appraisal; Calcium Signalling in Cancer: A Focus on Transi-ent Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily V Member 4 (TRPV4) in Colorectal Cancer; Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms and Management; Increased CO2 Percentage as a Tool for Reducing Cell Cul-ture Medium pH; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis monograph includes seven chapters that describe recent advances in medicine and biology. Chapter One discusses glutathione transferases (GSTs) from helminth parasites in the host-parasite interaction and candidates for vaccine development targeting parasitic GSTs. Chapter Two reviews the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of onion and its constituents in allergic and immunologic disorders. Chapter Three discusses state-of-the-art knowledge of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism to demonstrate its wide biological properties and its effects on how medical conditions can be managed. Chapter Four introduces the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of macrolides and the associated mechanisms in the human airway and lung cells. Chapter Five evaluates the role of several genes that are likely to be involved in diabetic neuropathy by employing transcriptome analysis. Chapter Six details diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment of nephrotic syndrome, the frequent cause of chronic kidney diseases observed in children and adults. Finally, Chapter Seven describes the characteristics of the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cell line and its significant role in the anticancer research paradigm.

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Book SynopsisThis monograph contains six chapters, each of which provides details about recent advancements in the field of medicine and biology. Chapter One describes the discovery of AZQ, a drug specifically designed to shut off genes that cause brain cancer. Chapter Two analyses the structure, stability, adaptation to extreme environments and the catalytic mechanism of α-helical membrane proteins. Chapter Three provides an up-to-date overview of artificial intelligence (AI) in assisted reproductive treatment (ART) clinics and explores how AI learns and develops a dataset to provide clinical guidance. Chapter Four consists of a study focused on the etiopathogenesis of primary open angle glaucoma using laboratory mice. Chapter Five presents and comments on the current evidence regarding diagnostics in patients with metastatic breast cancer based on circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Lastly, Chapter Six reviews the pathogenetic and clinical features of inner ear involvement in congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), the most frequent non-genetic cause of permanent sensorineural hearing loss in childhood.Table of ContentsPreface; The Impact of Sequencing Human Genome on Genomic Medicine and the Discovery of AZQ (US Patent 4,146,622) Specifically Designed to Shut Off Genes that Cause Brain Cancer; CU(I)-Transport ATPases. Molecular Architecture, Catalysis and Adaptation to Extreme Environments; The AI Doctor Will See You Now: Are Doctors and Embryologists No Longer Indispensable in Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART)?; Search for New Theories of Etiopathogenesis of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Features of Level of Intraocular Pressure and Number of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Conditions of Genetic Defect of Different Subtypes of A1-Adrenoreceptors; Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer: Ready for Clinical Practice?; Inner Ear Involvement in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection; Index.

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Book SynopsisHormone replacement therapy is now simply called hormone replacement because of research discoveries identifying possible severe risks associated with this treatment which was very favourably viewed earlier. Now the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration of treatment acceptable is advised. This new book presents state-of-the-art research from around the world in HR and its relation to endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer''s disease, schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders, Parkinson''s disease, Huntington''s disease and bone mass.

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Book SynopsisAmong the many applications of stem cell research are nervous system diseases, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune diseases as well as Parkinson''s disease, end-stage kidney disease, liver failure, cancer, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson''s disease, and Alzheimer''s disease. Stem cells are self-renewing, unspecialized cells that can give rise to multiple types all of specialized cells of the body. Stem cell research also involves complex ethical and legal considerations since they involve adult, fetal tissue and embryonic sources. This new book brings together leading research from throughout the world in this frontier field.

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Book SynopsisCerebral palsy is an umbrella-like term used to describe a group of chronic disorders impairing control of movement that appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time. The disorders are caused by faulty development of or damage to motor areas in the brain that disrupts the brain''s ability to control movement and posture. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty with fine motor tasks, difficulty maintaining balance or walking, involuntary movements. The symptoms differ from person to person and may change over time. Some people with cerebral palsy are also affected by other medical disorders, including seizures or mental impairment, but cerebral palsy does not always cause profound handicap. Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before 3 years of age. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. Cerebral palsy may be congenital or acquired after birth. There is no standard therapy that works for all patients. This new book gathers outstanding new research and insights from throughout the world.

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Book SynopsisAngiogenesis -- the growth of new blood vessels -- is an important natural process occurring in the body, both for health and as related to disease. Angiogenesis occurs in the healthy body to help heal wounds and to help restore blood flow to tissues after injury or insult. In females, Angiogenesis also occurs during the monthly reproductive cycle (to rebuild the uterus lining, to mature the egg during ovulation) and during pregnancy (to build the placenta, the circulation between mother and foetus). The healthy body controls Angiogenesis through a series of ''on'' and ''off'' switches. The main ''on'' switches are known as Angiogenesis-stimulating growth factors. The main ''off'' switches are known as Angiogenesis inhibitors. When angiogenic growth factors are produced in excess of angiogenesis inhibitors the balance is tipped in favour of blood vessel growth. When inhibitors are present in excess of stimulators, angiogenesis is stopped. The normal, healthy body maintains a perfect balance of angiogenesis modulators. In general, angiogenesis is ''turned off'' by the production of more inhibitors than stimulators. Tumour angiogenesis is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels that penetrates into cancerous growths, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products. Tumour angiogenesis actually starts with cancerous tumour cells releasing molecules that send signals to surrounding normal host tissue. This signalling activates certain genes in the host tissue that, in turn, cause proteins to encourage growth of new blood vessels. This new book examines its angiogenesis within the context of theory and its applications to cancer treatment.

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Book SynopsisPrimary bone tumours are tumours that start in the bone. In contrast, secondary bone cancer is where the cancer started in another part of the body but has then spread to the bones. The most common types of primary bone tumor are osteosarcoma and Ewing''s sarcoma, both of which are most frequently diagnosed in children and young adults. Other less common types of bone cancer include: Chondrosarcoma (a cancer arising in cartilage cells, usually found in adults between ages 50-75, though the less common mesenchymal-chondrosarcoma is more frequent in younger patients), Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of bone (MFH), Chondoma (a rare low grade malignancy occurring mostly between ages 30 -70), and other rare tumours. This new book brings together leading research from throughout the world in this important area of research.

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Book SynopsisThe liver is a large organ that sits in the right upper abdomen, just under the right lung. It is one of the body''s most "intelligent" organs in that it performs so many different functions at the same time. The liver makes proteins, eliminates waste material from the body, produces cholesterol, stores and releases glucose energy and metabolises many drugs used in medicine. It also produces bile that flows through bile ducts into the intestine where it helps to digest food. This organ also has the ability to regenerate itself if it is injured or partially removed. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that involves the formation of fibrous (scar) tissue associated with the destruction of the normal architecture of the organ. Many types of chronic injury to the liver can result in scar tissue. This scarring distorts the normal structure and re-growth of liver cells. The flow of blood through the liver from the intestine is blocked and the work done by the liver, such as processing drugs or producing proteins, is hindered. Until recently, the most common cause of cirrhosis of the liver in the United States was attributed to alcohol abuse. Because of the rapid increase of hepatitis C virus infection, hepatitis C has now taken over first place (26%), with alcohol abuse falling to second place, but only slightly behind at 21%. This outstanding book elucidates new and important research results from throughout the world.

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Book SynopsisThe consequences of ageing populations combined with the strain to the human eye caused by computers and widespread poor nutritional practices has resulted in an upsurge of research dealing with vision. This new book presents leading-edge research in this field.

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Book SynopsisAutism is a condition that hits the patient in places that can''t be hidden; in his/her behaviour. It is a condition worn for public scrutiny, blending personal aspects of the patient''s life with his/her social environment. It provides for guilt in patients and for Job-like ponderings in their parents. How do you measure the extent of damage to a patient''s life or that of the parent''s? Present day thinking portrays the problem of autism in the context of a triangle. In this triangle each interconnected vertex alternatively represents the autistic person, pathophysiological theories on causation, and symptoms. This book focuses on certain themes: those physical aspects which make an individual autistic. Although we are willing to entertain both psychological and biological explanations, this book will deal primarily with the biological. Even when these explanations overlap, ultimately, they perform different functions; one biased towards the need to know and the other towards the need to cure.

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Book SynopsisThis important book includes research derived from non-invasive brain imaging modalities used to explore the spatial and temporal organisation of the neural systems supporting human behaviour. Imaging modalities of interest include positron emission tomography, event-related potentials, electro-and magnetoencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and single-photon emission tomography. Coverage includes novel brain imaging methods, analyses for detecting or localising neural activity, synergistic uses of multiple imaging modalities, and strategies for the design of behavioural paradigms and neural-systems modelling.

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Book SynopsisThyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland. These may be of many types including papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell (aka oxyphilic or oncocytic), or medullary cancers. Surgery plays an important role in treating these cancers. The thyroid concentrates iodine and so is extremely sensitive to the effects of various radioactive isotopes of iodine produced by nuclear fission. These radioactive isotopes increase the chances of developing cancer, though thyroid cancer can develop even without any exposure to radioactivity. Some evidence suggests that insufficient or excessive dietary iodine may also increase the risk for thyroid cancer. This book presents the latest research in this field.

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Book SynopsisDeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a chemical found primarily in the nucleus of cells. DNA is a long, spiralling molecule that orchestrates the cell''s daily operations and provides the genetic blueprint for the physical characteristics of all living organisms. It is the molecule that encodes genetic information in the nucleus of cells. It determines the structure, function and behaviour of the cell. DNA is made up of two complementary strands, the strands intertwine like a spiral staircase to form a structure called a double helix. Subunits, called bases, are the rungs of the staircase. The four nucleotides in DNA contain the bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). This new book presents leading-edge research in this dynamic field.

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Book SynopsisImmunology is the study of the body''s protection from foreign macromolecules or invading organisms and the responses to them. These invaders include viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites. In addition, immune responses are developed against our own proteins (and other molecules) in auto-immunity and against our own aberrant cells in tumour immunity. The first line of defence against foreign organisms are barrier tissues such as the skin that stop the entry of organism into our bodies. A second line of defence is the specific or adaptive immune system which may take days to respond to a primary invasion (that is infection by an organism that has not hitherto been seen). This book brings together new research from around the globe dealing with this extremely important subject.

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Book SynopsisImmunology is the study of the body''s protection from foreign macromolecules or invading organisms and the responses to them. These invaders include viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites. In addition, immune responses are developed against our own proteins (and other molecules) in auto-immunity and against our own aberrant cells in tumour immunity. The first line of defence against foreign organisms are barrier tissues such as the skin that stop the entry of organism into our bodies. A second line of defence is the specific or adaptive immune system which may take days to respond to a primary invasion (that is infection by an organism that has not hitherto been seen). This book brings together new research from around the globe dealing with this extremely important subject.

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Book SynopsisSickle cell anaemia is an inherited blood disorder, characterised primarily by chronic anaemia and periodic episodes of pain and occurring in approximately 1 in every 400 African-American infants born in the United States each year. Individuals of Mediterranean, Arabian, Caribbean, South and Central American, and East Indian ancestry can also be affected. The underlying problem involves haemoglobin, a component of the red cells in the blood. The haemoglobin molecules in each red blood cell carry oxygen from the lungs to the body organs and tissues and bring back carbon dioxide to the lungs. In sickle cell anaemia, the haemoglobin is defective. After the haemoglobin molecules give up their oxygen, some of them may cluster together and form long, rod-like structures. These structures cause the red blood cells to become stiff and to assume a sickle shape. Unlike normal red cells, which are usually smooth and donut-shaped, the sickled red cells cannot squeeze through small blood vessels. Instead, they stack up and cause blockages that deprive the organs and tissue of oxygen-carrying blood. This process produces the periodic episodes of pain and ultimately can damage the tissues and vital organs and lead to other serious medical problems. Unlike normal red blood cells, which last about 120 days in the bloodstream, sickled red cells die after only about 10 to 20 days. Because they cannot be replaced fast enough, the blood is chronically short of red blood cells, a condition called anaemia. Sickle cell anaemia is caused by an error in the gene that tells the body how to make haemoglobin. The defective gene tells the body to make the abnormal haemoglobin that results in deformed red blood cells. This book gathers the latest research in this important field.

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Book SynopsisDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease of absolute or relative insulin deficiency or resistance characterised by disturbances in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It is estimated that between 5-10% of the population suffer from this disease. This syndrome is a contributing factor in a large percentage of deaths from heart attacks and strokes as well as renal failure and vascular disease. About 90% of the cases of diabetes mellitus fall into Type 2 where obesity plays a major role. Research in the field is wide-spread ranging from causes to treatment. This book brings together leading research from throughout the world.

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Book SynopsisThe present book on basal ganglia research aims at promoting cross-fertilisation and between fields (eg: between addiction and drug-induced dyskinesia) and between levels of analysis (e.g. between computation and physiology).

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Book SynopsisDementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person''s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer''s Disease (AD), which involves the parts of the brain that control memory, thought and language. Age is the most important known risk factor for AD. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. AD is a slow disease, starting with mild memory loss and ending with severe brain damage. The course the disease takes and how fast changes occur vary from person to person. On average, AD patients live from 8 to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though the disease can last for as many as 20 years. Current research is aimed at understanding why AD occurs and who is at greatest risk for developing it, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and ability to identify who is at risk, developing, discovering and testing new treatments for behavioural problems in patients with AD. This book gathers state-of-the-art research from leading scientists throughout the world which offers important information on understanding the underlying causes and discovering the most effective treatments for Alzheimer''s Disease.

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Book SynopsisAlzheimer''s disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disorder in the ageing population, with dementia as a common consequence. AD is defined pathologically by the appearance of extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, as described by Alois Alzheimer about a century ago. The causes for AD include genetic predisposition in a small population, ageing and environmental stresses in majority cases. The underlying pathogenic cascades, increases in expression of amyloid precursor protein and accumulation of Aß and reactive oxidant activity and inflammation, have the features of both adaptive, at least initially, and harmful when becoming excessive. Dementia, on the other hand, is a clinical diagnosis and is defined as globally, persistently impaired cognitive skills including memory. Alzheimer dementia refers to clinical dementia in patients who also have Alzheimer neuropathology. Alzheimer dementia is what brings the patients to seek medical treatments. An extraordinary inability to form new memory, especially of those episodic type, and executive dysfunction are among the earliest symptoms in AD patients. In end-stage AD, cognitive degeneration extends far beyond memory loss. The underlying causes include decreases in impaired brain metabolism, which results in impaired synaptic functions and capacities, thus impaired information processing, and eventually leads to neuronal injury and death. This book presents leading-edge research in this dynamic field.

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Book SynopsisVitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different forms. Each form has its own biological activity, which is the measure of potency or functional use in the body. Alpha-tocopherol (-tocopherol) is the name of the most active form of vitamin E in humans. It is also a powerful biological antioxidant. Vitamin E in supplements is usually sold as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form that protects its ability to function as an antioxidant. The synthetic form is labelled "D, L" while the natural form is labelled "D". The synthetic form is only half as active as the natural form. Antioxidants such as vitamin E act to protect the cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Studies are underway to determine whether vitamin E, through its ability to limit production of free radicals, might help prevent or delay the development of those chronic diseases. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a role in immune function, in DNA repair and other metabolic processes. This new book presents leading research on this important topic.

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Book SynopsisThere are two types of brain tumours: primary brain tumours that originate in the brain and metastatic (secondary) brain tumours that originate from cancer cells that have migrated from other parts of the body. Primary brain cancer rarely spreads beyond the central nervous system, and death results from uncontrolled tumour growth within the limited space of the skull. Metastatic brain cancer indicates advanced disease and has a poor prognosis. Primary brain tumours can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Both types take up space in the brain and may cause serious symptoms (eg: vision or hearing loss) and complications (eg: stroke). All cancerous brain tumours are life threatening (malignant) because they have an aggressive and invasive nature. A non-cancerous primary brain tumour is life threatening when it compromises vital structures (eg: an artery). In the United States, the annual incidence of brain cancer generally is 15-20 cases per 100,000 people. Brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in patients younger than 35. This new book brings together the leading research in this dynamic area of research.

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Book SynopsisAsthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and night-time or early morning coughing. Tens of millions of people throughout the world suffer from asthma. Airways are the paths that carry air to the lungs. As the air moves through the lungs, the airways become smaller, like branches of a tree. During an attack, the sides of the airways in the lungs become inflamed and swollen. Muscles around the airways tighten, and less air passes in and out of the lungs. Excess mucus forms in the airways, clogging them even more. The attack, also called an episode, can include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Environmental exposures, such as house dust mites and environmental tobacco smoke, are important triggers of an attack. This book presents important new research on the causes on asthma as well as its diagnosis and treatment.

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Book SynopsisThree types of skin cancer account for nearly 100% of all diagnosed cases. Each of these three cancers begins in a different type of cell within the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes -- non-melanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The different types of skin cancer are: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC); Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); Melanoma. All other skin cancers combined account for less than 1% of diagnosed cases. These are classified as non-melanoma skin cancers and include Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibromasarcoma protuberans, Paget''s disease and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This book examines the latest research in this field.

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Book SynopsisVitamin C, also known for its role in fighting off the common cold, serves as the antioxidant vitamin. This vitamin helps the body form collagen, a protein that builds bone structure, bone cartilage and blood vessels. Another function of Vitamin C is its absorption of iron, which aids in bone maintenance for stronger bodies and cleaner teeth. This can be accomplished by keeping a well balanced diet and eating healthy. In addition, Vitamin C assists in fighting off cardiovascular disease as well. But not only does Vitamin C aid the human body. Researchers have studied the affects Vitamin C holds upon other living organisms, such as plant cells. This book dives into cutting edge research on Vitamin C and its many functions in the earth''s natural environment.

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Book SynopsisTuberculosis, the disease that the World Health Organization has recently declared a global emergency, was supposedly defeated by antibiotics half a century ago. It has returned in a highly contagious and fatal new form that cannot be treated with conventional drugs. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), could cause some 10 million deaths over the next decade and is thriving in the overcrowded prisons of the former Soviet Union. The virtual collapse of the world''s borders means that refugees, tourists, immigrants, business travellers, and others can spread the TB bacillus very efficiently. London, for example, has experienced a 100% increase in reported cases in the past 10 years. This book covers all aspects of the disease: epidemiology, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention. Leading research is presented from centres around the world.

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Book SynopsisSince cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease is the leading cause of death for adults in developed countries, many medical studies focus on treating or preventing heart disease and stroke. The metabolic syndrome, a collection of unhealthy body measurements and abnormal laboratory test results, may identify persons at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Aggressive lifestyle modification and possible use of medications to treat the conditions that make up the metabolic syndrome may reduce a person''s chances of developing heart disease or stroke. The metabolic syndrome has also been called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.

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Book SynopsisGene tests (also called DNA-based tests), the newest and most sophisticated of the techniques used to test for genetic disorders, involve direct examination of the DNA molecule itself. Other genetic tests include biochemical tests for such gene products as enzymes and other proteins and for microscopic examination of stained or fluorescent chromosomes. Genetic tests are used for several reasons, including: Carrier screening, which involves identifying unaffected individuals who carry one copy of a gene for a disease that requires two copies for the disease to be expressed; Preimplantation genetic diagnosis prenatal diagnostic testing new-born screening; Presymptomatic testing for predicting adult-onset disorders such as Huntington''s disease; Presymptomatic testing for estimating the risk of developing adult-onset cancers and Alzheimer''s disease; Confirmational diagnosis of a symptomatic individual forensic/identity testing. In gene tests, scientists scan a patient''s DNA sample for mutated sequences. A DNA sample can be obtained from any tissue, including blood. For some types of gene tests, researchers design short pieces of DNA called probes, whose sequences are complementary to the mutated sequences. These probes will seek their complement among the three billion base pairs of an individual''s genome. If the mutated sequence is present in the patient''s genome, the probe will bind to it and flag the mutation. Another type of DNA testing involves comparing the sequence of DNA bases in a patient''s gene to a normal version of the gene. This book gathers important research in this field.

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Book SynopsisRadiobiology has made great steps forward in the last five years in the development of new mechanisms forming the basis of various radiation effects, specifically among the mechanisms of low rate irradiation by low doses. Investigations of radiation apoptosis, radiation hormesis, radioadaptive response, and by-stander effects have been intensively developed. Processes of premature ageing induced by irradiation are examined. All these questions are discussed here. The greatest part is devoted to assessments of the health of the population irradiated inhabiting the radionuclide-contaminated territories and people from other regions of the former USSR involved in the liquidation on the accident consequences.

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