Drawing on indigenous and scientific knowledge of medicinal plants, Traditional Herbal Therapy for the Human Immune System presents the protective and therapeutic potential of plant-based drinks, supplements, nutraceuticals, synergy food, superfoods, and other products. Medicinal plants and their products can affect the immune system and act as immunomodulators. Medicinal plants are popularly used in folk medicine to accelerate the human immune defence and improve body reactions against infectious or exogenous injuries, as well as to suppress the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. This book explains how medicinal plants can act as a source of vitamins and improve body functions such as enhanced oxygen circulation, maintained blood pressure and improved mood. It also outlines how specific properties of certain plants can help boost the immune system of humans with cancer, HIV, and COVID-19. Key features: Provides specific information on how to accelerate and or fortify the human immune system by using medicinal plants. Presents scientific understanding of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees and their potential uses in conventional and herbal medicine systems. Discusses the specific role of herbal plants that act as antiviral and antibacterial agents and offer boosted immunity for cancer, H1N1 virus, relieving swine flu, HIV and COVID-19 patients. Part of the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for researchers and students, as well as policy makers and people working in industry, who have an interest in plant-derived medications.

Podrid's Real-World ECGs combines traditional case-based workbooks with a versatile Web-based program to offer students, health care professionals, and physicians an indispensable resource for developing and honing the technical skills and systematic approach needed to interpret ECGs with confidence. ECGs from real patient cases offer a complete and in-depth learning experience by focusing on fundamental electrophysiologic properties and clinical concepts as well as detailed discussion of important diagnostic findings and relevant management decisions. Six comprehensive volumes encompass more than 600 individual case studies-plus an online repository of hundreds more interactive case studies (www.realworldECGs.com)-that include feedback and discussion about the important waveforms and clinical decision-making involved. From an introductory volume that outlines the approaches and tools utilized in the analysis of all ECGs to subsequent volumes covering particular disease entities for which the ECG is useful, readers will take away the in-depth knowledge needed to successfully interpret the spectrum of routine to challenging ECGs they will encounter in their own clinical practice.

This book takes a holistic view of the treatment of cardio-oncology patients, from evaluating those at high risk of developing cardio-toxicity, guidance for monitoring and managing patients during therapy to cardiac care of cancer survivors. Throughout, this book utilizes the latest research and guidance to offer advice on treatment strategy as well as practical elements of such as training, cardio-oncology nursing, patient education and how to establish a cardio-oncology unit. This book focuses on the practical knowledge and skills key to successful collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists to achieve the optimum cardiac care for cancer patients. Key Features Focuses on the practical elements of cardio-oncology care Outlines the importance and process of setting up a cardio-oncology unit and cardio-oncology fellowships Provides advice and guidance on the set up and common pit falls of coordinating care for cardio-oncology patients Outlines current guidelines and potential future directions for the field of cardio-oncology

Often associated with artificial hearts, ventricular assist devices (VADs) are blood pumps that can provide circulatory assistance to the left ventricle, the right ventricle, or both. Bioengineering and Biomaterials in Ventricular Assist Devices reviews constructive details of VADs and the biomaterials used in their development and support. FEATURES Establishes an area of intersection between engineering and medicine Shows process development from mechanical design to automation and control Discusses biofunctional materials, tribology in ceramic biomaterials, biosensors, and surface engineering and blood This text is aimed at advanced students, researchers, and practicing engineers conducting work on VADs and will be of interest to a broad interdisciplinary group, including bioengineers, materials engineers, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers.

Includes recommendations and clinical studies on ideal drugs to reduce blood pressure with fewest side effects and optimal efficacy. Presents a nutrition program for patients to manage high blood pressure and reduce weight which, if followed, helps lower the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. Provides a comprehensive review of nutritional supplements to improve blood pressure control. Written by leading experts in hypertension and nutrition, this book presents a unique and optimal approach to reducing cardiovascular problems related to high blood pressure, it serves as a guide for both health practitioners and their patients.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are 2.1 billion individuals with obesity globally. Nearly three quarters of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. The average individual with obesity cuts ten years off their life expectancy, yet less than 40% of physicians routinely counsel individuals concerning the adverse health consequences of obesity. Obesity Prevention and Treatment: A Practical Guide equips healthcare practitioners to include effective weight management counselling in the daily practice of medicine. Written by lifestyle medicine pioneer and cardiologist, Dr. James Rippe and obesity expert Dr. John Foreyt, this book provides evidence-based discussions of obesity and its metabolic consequences. A volume in the Lifestyle Medicine Series, it provides evidence-based information about the prevention and treatment of obesity through lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity and sound nutrition, as well as the use of new medications or bariatric surgery available to assist in weight management. Provides a framework and practical strategies to assist practitioners in safe and effective treatments of obesity. Contains information explaining the relationship between obesity and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. Chapters begin with bulleted key points and conclude with a list of Clinical Applications. Written for practitioners at all levels, this user-friendly, evidence-based book on obesity prevention and treatment will be valuable to practitioners in general medicine or subspecialty practices.

The fundamental premise of lifestyle medicine is that daily habits profoundly impact health and quality of life both in the short-term and long-term. Written by lifestyle medicine pioneer and cardiologist , Dr. James Rippe, this book provides a clinically oriented, evidence-based look into key lifestyle factors and how to prescribe them to individuals of all ages. Written for professionals working at all levels of medical and healthcare practice, this manual summarizes the major components of lifestyle medicine, from physical activity and nutrition to weight management and the avoidance of tobacco products. It includes clinical guidelines and practices for using lifestyle medicine principles to lower the risk of numerous chronic conditions. The manual also provides information on behavior change, approaches to lowering the risk of dementia, treatment of addictions and injury prevention. Features: Explains how lifestyle medicine can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, dementia and many other chronic conditions. Chapters begin with bulleted key points and conclude with a list of clinical applications. Provides strategies for prescribing physical activity and helping patients improve their nutrition, lose weight if necessary and reduce stress. Includes clinically relevant sections on "Treating Addiction, Preventing Injury and Improving Brain Health". This book provides updated and clinically targeted summaries used in conjunction with Dr. Rippe's major academic textbook Lifestyle Medicine, now in its third edition, published by CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

This volume provides detailed, up-to-date methods used in research on Atherosclerosis. Chapters guide readers through an overview of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and model systems together with in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and emerging methods in atherosclerosis research. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Atherosclerosis: Methods and Protocols serves as an invaluable resource for those engaging in research on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, as well as for researchers who are new to the field and students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Includes recommendations and clinical studies on ideal drugs to reduce blood pressure with fewest side effects and optimal efficacy. Presents a nutrition program for patients to manage high blood pressure and reduce weight which, if followed, helps lower the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. Provides a comprehensive review of nutritional supplements to improve blood pressure control. Written by leading experts in hypertension and nutrition, this book presents a unique and optimal approach to reducing cardiovascular problems related to high blood pressure, it serves as a guide for both health practitioners and their patients.

This book is not intended as a full detailed report on hypertension and related disorders, but instead focuses on particular issues in hypertension. It looks at emerging recently described forms of hypertension that are frequently encountered in clinical practice (prehypertension, white-coat and masked hypertension, hypertension in the elderly) and discusses novel aspects of target organ disease (for example, cognitive impairment, dementia, and sexual dysfunction), and changing concepts in the management of hypertension and antihypertensive pharmacotherapy. It also looks at specific topics that are rarely discussed in books, including hypertension control in postmenopausal women on hormonal replacement therapy, Ramadan fasting, painful inflammatory disorders, and aldosterone escape. Finally, it examines newer cardiovascular risk factors (for example, uric acid, circadian blood pressure changes, blood pressure variability).

The Right Ventricle in Health and Disease provides a comprehensive and up-to-date database and collection of the available information which describes the structure and function of the normal right ventricle. The right ventricular performance and function reserve has now finally moved to the center of the stage as clinicians recognize that the drugs presently used to treat patients with severe pulmonary hypertension do not necessarily improve the performance of the right ventricle and because the survival depends on the right ventricular function that treatment strategies need to be developed to primarily protect the right ventricle from failing. In-depth chapters discuss right heart function and failure in patients with congenital heart diseases, review modern imaging techniques used to describe right ventricular form and function in patients with right heart failure (including cardiac MRI and PET scanning), describe ventricular interdependence: the left ventricle in pulmonary hypertension and discuss the concept of the sick lung circulation and its contribution to right heart failure. Treatment strategies of chronic right heart failure including drugs and mechanical devices are also discussed.

Over the last years, thanks to growing advances in the field of cancer therapies, a considerable decrease in cancer mortality has been observed. Unfortunately, such therapies have shown a wide spectrum of cardiotoxicities. This book provides the readers with the latest advances and insights in the ever-expanding field of Cardio-Oncology. Specific topics discussed in the book include the potential role of inflammation in Cardio-Oncology and the description of the different manifestations of cardiotoxicities (including vascular toxicity, systemic hypertension, arrhythmias), analyzing the complex relationships between cancer and heart failure, two conditions whose prevalence increases with ageing. Furthermore, the role of biomarkers and imaging in cardio-oncology is discussed.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are 2.1 billion individuals with obesity globally. Nearly three quarters of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. The average individual with obesity cuts ten years off their life expectancy, yet less than 40% of physicians routinely counsel individuals concerning the adverse health consequences of obesity. Obesity Prevention and Treatment: A Practical Guide equips healthcare practitioners to include effective weight management counselling in the daily practice of medicine. Written by lifestyle medicine pioneer and cardiologist, Dr. James Rippe and obesity expert Dr. John Foreyt, this book provides evidence-based discussions of obesity and its metabolic consequences. A volume in the Lifestyle Medicine Series, it provides evidence-based information about the prevention and treatment of obesity through lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity and sound nutrition, as well as the use of new medications or bariatric surgery available to assist in weight management. Provides a framework and practical strategies to assist practitioners in safe and effective treatments of obesity. Contains information explaining the relationship between obesity and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. Chapters begin with bulleted key points and conclude with a list of Clinical Applications. Written for practitioners at all levels, this user-friendly, evidence-based book on obesity prevention and treatment will be valuable to practitioners in general medicine or subspecialty practices.

This special issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry contains original research papers as well as invited reviews focused in the field of cardiac metabolism and its regulation under normal and disease conditions. These papers cover many areas under intensive and rapid development such as the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in the heart, the role of cardiac glycogen during ischemia, the role of CPT I isoenzymes, the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiac protection through regulation of energy production, the role of fatty acid binding protein under normal and pathological conditions, and several other important topics in this area of research. We hope that this special issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry provides an up-to-date source of information for scientists and clinicians interested in the mechanism by which cardiac metabolism is regulated in health and disease and the mechanistic relationship between disturbances in cardiac metabolism and the genesis of cardiovascular diseases.

A large number of cardiovascular diseases are accompanied by inflammation. This volume on the molecular basis of microcirculatory disorders gives a comprehensive summary of key steps in the inflammatory cascade. Leading investigators present a state-of-the-art analysis of the molecular determinants of leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, mechanotransduction in endothelial and inflammatory cells, mechanisms of cell activation, microvascular apoptosis with applications to ischemia-reperfusion in the brain, the heart and in venous disease, diabetes and hypertension. The book provides the latest thinking in these important cardiovascular problems, with the most contemporary literature and a look at the increasingly complex events during inflammation. Molecular biology tools, microvascular and modern bioengineering analysis are seamlessly integrated into the analysis of clinical problems. The book helps not only newcomers to gain entry into the interesting problems associated with microvascular disorders, but lays the foundation for the design of new therapeutic interventions.

As the number of drugs acting on calcium and potassium channels grows, there is a need for a continuous reappraisal of the cellular machinery controlling them. The present volume provides an update on the basic knowledge, the molecular targets of the two channels, and the importance the drugs that bind them have as pharmacological tools and therapeutic agents. This work was presented at the 6th International Symposium on PHARMACOLOGICAL CONTROL OF CALCIUM AND POTASSIUM HOMEOSTASIS: BIOLOGICAL, THERAPEUTICAL, AND CLINICAL ASPECTS, in Florence (Italy) on October 4-6, 1994. Because of the recent advances in the field, discussions on potassium channels were included for the first time. At least six classes of voltage-dependent calcium channels have been defined based on their physiological and pharmacological properties. Among them, L-type channels, mediating long lasting currents, are better characterized. Calcium homeostasis within the cell is not only regulated by calcium channels; intracellular calcium stores, in particular a pool contained in the lumen of specialized areas of the endoplasmic reticulum, are rapidly exchanged with the cytoplasm and playa key role in the control of calcium homeostasis. This area, however, has not yet been exploited from a therapeutic point of view. Potassium channels are present in virtually every cell type, excitable and nonexcitable, and are distinguished by structural, biophysical, and pharmacological criteria. Different classes including voltage-gated, ligand-gated, AP-sensitive, and G-protein coupled among others, have been defined by their primary regulatory and gating mechanisms.

This book demonstrates that a pandemic of coronary heart disease occurred in North America, western and northern Europe, and Australia and New Zealand from the 1930s to about 2000. At its peak it caused more deaths than any other disease. The book examines and compares trends in coronary heart disease mortality rates for individual countries. The most detailed analyses are for the United States, where mortality rates are examined for race, sex, and age groups and for geographic regions. Popular explanations for the rise and fall of coronary heart disease mortality rates are examined.

Hypertension: from basic research to clinical practice" contains a unique collection of selected chapters written by experts and enthusiasts engaged in research and treatment of hypertension, a condition that affects around a billion people in the world. The chapters describe fundamental researches at cellular and molecular levels to the science, and art of treatment of the condition in clinical practice. The topics included ranges from pathophysiology of hypertension, through monitoring of hypertension, to the treatment of hypertension in different patient categories. It contains essential background information as well as cutting edge research, and state of the art treatment alternatives in this broad field. From the beginners, and research students to the expert clinicians, and established scientists, everybody has something to learn from this book.

Completely revised and updated, Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill Patient: A Guide to Practice, Second Edition presents an unbiased, evidence-based examination of critical nutrition across the life cycle. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, each chapter has been carefully designed to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and a detailed exploration of the practical application of this information. With chapters written by experts, you get the most pertinent and current knowledge available, bolstered by tables, figures, and case studies that make the information accessible. New Coverage in the Second Edition: Gut microbiota support Short bowel syndrome Chronic critically ill phenomenon Professional nutrition practice guidelines and protocols Ethical considerations Quality and performance improvement Many challenges remain when providing optimal nutrition to all patients under all conditions at all times. Divided into eight sections, the book covers metabolic issues, nutrients for critically ill patients, delivery of nutrition therapy, nutrition therapy throughout the life cycle, special interest groups, specific organ system failure, general systemic failures, and professional issues in the field. It keeps you informed and aware of the continuous accrual of knowledge needed to craft and provide optimal nutrition therapy for the critically ill patient.

This book presents the latest findings in the field of research of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in different cells and tissues. Mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction of the heart and vascular cells, in the lung, in bone and joint tissues, in sensor systems and in blood cells are described in detail. This Volume focuses on molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction via cytoskeleton. Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction, the role of actin cytoskeleton and the role of other cytoskeletal elements are discussed. It contains a detailed description of several stretch-induced signaling cascades with multiple levels of crosstalk between different pathways. It contains a description of the role of nitric oxide in regulation of cardiac activity and in regulation of mechanically gated channels in the heart. In the heart mechanical signals are propagated into the intracellular space primarily via integrin-linked complexes, and are subsequently transmitted from cell to cell via paracrine signaling. Biochemical signals derived from mechanical stimuli activate both acute phosphorylation of signaling cascades, such as in the PI3K, FAK, and ILK pathways, and long-term morphological modii cations via intracellular cytoskeletal reorganization and extracellular matrix remodelling. Cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells are also discussed. This Volume highlights the role of mechanotransduction in the lung, in bone and joint tissues. For the first time mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in blood cells are discussed. It contains new insights into mechanosensitive K+ channels functioning in mouse B lymphocytes. This book is a unique collection of reviews outlining current knowledge and future developments in this rapidly growing field. Currently, investigations of the molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction are focused on several issues. The majority of studies investigate intracellular signaling pathways. Knowledge of the mechanisms which underlie these processes is necessary for understanding of the normal functioning of different organs and tissues and allows to predict changes, which arise due to alterations of their environment. Possibly such knowledge will allow the development of new methods of artificial intervention and therapies. This book brings up the problem closer to the experts in related medical and biological sciences as well as practicing doctors besides just presenting the latest achievements in the field.

Nutrition plays a key role in prevention of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Diet influences a broad spectrum of cardiometabolic risk factors, notably a cluster including excess adiposity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism and high blood pressure. In the face of the rapidly increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes, maintaining cardiometabolic health through adoption of a healthy lifestyle is a top public health priority. In this book, Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Health, international experts present state-of-the-art scholarly reviews of dietary and lifestyle effects on metabolic systems associated with cardiovascular health and disease. It covers a broad range of topics including biological and behavioral processes regulating food intake; lifestyle and surgical approaches to weight loss; nutritional considerations for optimal cardiometabolic health across the lifespan; the relationship of macronutrients, whole foods and dietary patterns to diabetes and cardiovascular disease; and diet as a modulator of gene expression, epigenetics and the gut microbiome and the relationship of these traits to disorders of metabolism. This book provides its readers with an authoritative view of the present state of knowledge of dietary effects on cardiometabolic health and will be of interest to nutrition and healthcare professionals alike.

Organisms need to be able to maintain nearly constant internal environments in order to survive, grow and function effectively and efficiently. By maintaining homeostasis, humans remain healthy, strong and protected from the invasion of foreign organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. This practical pocket guide covers: * the anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular system vital signs * recognition of common arrhythmias and important skills for cardiovascular health cannulation and venepuncture * the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system * skills related to addressing respiratory problems. This competency-based text covers relevant key concepts, anatomy and physiology, lifespan matters, assessment and nursing skills. To support your learning, it also includes learning outcomes, concept map summaries, activities, questions and scenarios with sample answers and critical reflection thinking points. Quick and easy to reference, this short, clinically-focused guide is ideal for use on placements or for revision. It is suitable for pre-registration nurses, students on the nursing associate programme and newly qualified nurses.

Organisms need to be able to maintain nearly constant internal environments in order to survive, grow and function effectively and efficiently. By maintaining homeostasis, humans remain healthy, strong and protected from the invasion of foreign organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. This practical pocket guide covers: * the anatomy and physiology of cardiovascular system vital signs * recognition of common arrhythmias and important skills for cardiovascular health cannulation and venepuncture * the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system * skills related to addressing respiratory problems. This competency-based text covers relevant key concepts, anatomy and physiology, lifespan matters, assessment and nursing skills. To support your learning, it also includes learning outcomes, concept map summaries, activities, questions and scenarios with sample answers and critical reflection thinking points. Quick and easy to reference, this short, clinically-focused guide is ideal for use on placements or for revision. It is suitable for pre-registration nurses, students on the nursing associate programme and newly qualified nurses.

To our knowledge, this is the first book dealing exclusively with myocardial contrast two-dimensional echocardiography (MC-2DE), a new and exciting diagnostic methodology for assessment of myocardial perfusion, which has seen rapid development and has now entered the clinical stage. The experi mental research and human applications have been described in technical papers published in a variety of journals, but our objective is to provide the reader with a comprehensive and concentrated overview of the field and of the current state of the art. To facilitate appreciation of the significant ad vances made and issues yet to be resolved, we are pleased to have several well known specialists contribute their own assessment of specific aspects of MC- 20E and illustrate the method's principles as well as applications. We were faced with inevitable overlaps and some repetitions in the discussion of quan titative potentials or limilations of the methodology. Rather than strictly 'streamlining' the text, we decided to accept some redundancy in the interest of presenting a diversity of points of views, reflecting the current evolutionary state of MC-20E. Following a brief reference to the established clinical contrast echocardiog raphy, recent developments and validations of the specialized MC-2DE tech nique are reviewed, bearing in mind that the field is in a flux and some of the ongoing activities have not as yet been formally reported. Mechanisms of the echo contrast and several new agents are decribed next, and an additional chapter illustrates current thoughts-on optimizing the echo contrast medium."