The mechanistic basis of chronic inflammation remains unclear. The research sheds new light on the immune cells expressing the activation markers HLA-DR and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the cells expressing Siglec receptors as being key players in the immune system responsiveness to antigens and thus in lung tissue damage of chronic inflammation. The results help understand the mechanisms of action of common drugs used in COPD, such as formoterol, tiotropium, or corticosteroids, and point to novel drug targets. The chapters also deal with brain damaging effects, by far unrecognized, of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, a time-proven management of chronic inflammatory airway conditions; asthma being a case in point. Novel methods, likely less producing side effects, of macrolide antibiotics administration by inhalation are discussed, emphasizing not only bacteriostatic but also anti-inflammatory action.

Disaster Preparedness for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals outlines specific disaster scenarios for homebound, community, hospitalized, long term care, homeless and aged veterans. Chapters are written by a diverse group of authors, all of whom offer insight and expertise in training healthcare professionals in preparing for disasters. Topics include myths and realities of natural disasters and disaster preparedness for special populations of elders-the acute care elderly, the community-dwelling elderly, home based primary care senior veterans, the immune-compromised elderly, those with multiple and co morbid illnesses, the long-term care elderly, those elderly at the end of life and the effects of disaster on caregivers. A significant portion of the book is also devoted to training, competencies, literacy, cultural competency and resilience in disaster preparedness as well as the role of the academic medical center. The volume concludes with coverage of the management of behavioral, medical and psychological consequences of disasters. Disaster Preparedness for Seniors: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals is an important new volume and will serve as a guide for the development of programs, policies and procedures for evacuation of seniors during various disaster scenarios.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide delivers a concise review of our current understanding of disease pathogenesis and provides current evidence in the medical literature regarding its diagnosis and management. Each chapter includes key points and a summary aiming to update clinicians about various issues concerning the diagnosis and management of IPF. In addition to outlining the current state of knowledge, each chapter also provides a summary of ongoing research and identifies the needs for future research in the field. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide is an important new text that provides its readers with a better understanding of the pathobiology and natural history of IPF as it continues to evolve.

Psychosocial problems appear within a medical context worldwide, and are a major burden to health. Psychosomatic Medicine: An International Primer for the Primary Care Setting takes a uniquely global approach in laying the foundations of bio psychosocial basic care (such as recognizing psychosocial and psychosomatic problems, basic counseling and collaboration with mental health specialists) and provides relevant information about the most common mental and psychosomatic problems and disorders. The scope of the book is intercultural-it addresses global cultures, subcultures living in a single country and strengthening the care given by physicians working abroad. This clinically useful book outlines best practices for diagnosing the most common bio psychosocial problems and mastering the most common communication challenges (e.g. doctor-patient conversation, breaking bad news, dealing with difficult patients, family and health systems communication and collaboration). Every chapter integrates basic theoretical background and practical skills and includes trans-culturally sensitive material, important for work with patients from different cultures. Psychosomatic Medicine: An International Primer for the Primary Care Setting serves as an excellent resource for clinicians hoping to gain and develop knowledge and skills in psychosomatic medicine.

Practical Controversies in Medical Management of Stone Disease addresses areas of controversy regarding the evaluation and management of recurrent stone formers and provides the best available evidence to support or refute common common drug and dietary recommendations. Aimed at dispelling common myths about preventative stone treatment, this book provides practical recommendations for the diagnositic evaluation and treatment and recurrent calcium calcium stone formers, but addresses uric acid and cystine stone formers. Written by experts in stone disease, Practical Controversies in Medical Management of Stone Disease is a concise yet comprehensive resource that provides the best, current evidence supporting medical practices regarding kidney stone prevention. The book will be of value to anyone involved in the medical care of patients with kidney stones, including urologists, nephrologists, primary care physicians, and dieticians.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Modern Techniques is an up-to-date review of modern techniques used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It provides a comprehensive review of both office and operating room based techniques. Both electrosurgical and laser based techniques are covered. These include high powered 532 nm laser photoselective laser vaporization of the prostate (PVP), holmium laser enucleation/ablation of the prostate (HoLEP/HoLAP), and Bipolar Electrovaporization of the Prostate (Bipolar EVP/Bipolar TURP). In addition, a comprehensive review of office based techniques and future therapies currently being developed is presented. Each of these techniques are presented in a balanced fashion with a focus on modern literature. Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Modern Techniques will be of great value to Urologists, Urology Residents, Iternists, and Family Practitioners.

Clinical Care Pathways in Andrology provides a valuable resource for understanding clinical decision-making in the context of the predominant male reproductive and sexual disorders for which patients commonly seek evaluation and treatment. Conditions that are less well-known but can be severely bothersome to patients, such as penile sensory loss, are also presented. Based on clinical evidence and expert consensus, practical clinical care pathways are featured for each condition. Each clinical care pathway consists of an algorithm that delineates the overall structure of decision-making for each condition, describes initial clinical presentations, and guides the reader through diagnostic testing and treatment. Furthermore, the volume features annotations that develop key andrological concepts and provide explanations for each step in diagnosis and management. Designed for clarity and ease of use, Clinical Care Pathways in Andrology is a practical and valuable reference for urologists, primary care physicians, and residents who are not specialty trained in andrology.

Constipation: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment serves as an unmet resource for physicians and other health care providers, including trainees and students, who see patients with constipation. The text reviews pathophysiologic mechanisms and details evaluation and management strategies. The volume also enables the reader to identify epidemiologic factors and quality of life parameters for patients with constipation, discuss differences in pathophysiologic mechanisms for different etiologies of constipation, recognize primary causes of constipation, and assess special considerations related to the symptom of constipation including presentations in the elderly, in pregnant women, in patients with systemic diseases, and patients with a history of abuse. Written by thought leaders and recognized experts in gastrointestinal motility and medical education, Constipation: A Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment is of great value and utility for gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, as well as fellows and residents.

This book provides medical students and physicians with a practical, step-by-step guide on how to write and publish a medical case report. The case report is the traditional way for physicians to describe their unique or unusual cases to a broad audience and it plays an important role in the discovery of new diseases or syndromes, unusual manifestations of disease, important adverse drug reactions, and the generation of hypotheses for further study. This book guides readers through the process from choosing a case to report on to finding a publisher and then comment on future directions and potential new uses of case reports, including expanded computer case databases to optimize care for individual patients and new applications in medical education. Interspersed throughout the text are example case reports, many written by the authors, with commentary on their experiences working with those reports to provide context and aid readers in creating clear, concise, and useful case reports.

This in-depth text addresses how to approach and treat the chronic pain patient struggling with problematic opioid use. It discusses the approach for patients who may be at high risk of problematic use, such as those with a history of mental illness or substance use disorder. The first part covers diagnosis and treatment, focusing on common best practices that practitioners can adapt to any practice. Two of the chapters detail alternative and replacement therapies for opioid. Two more cover special issues in the treatment of women and older patients. The second part reviews the ethical, legal, regulatory, and policy issues surrounding the treatment of patients with comorbid pain and addiction. The book includes strategies for documentation that mitigate the risk of legal issues or ethical boundary crossings. The last part of the book addresses treating comorbid pain and opioid use disorder in different medical settings and the treatment of co-occurring mental illnesses and substance abuse. Treating Comorbid Opioid Use Disorder in Chronic Pain is of great value to psychiatrists, pain physicians, primary care providers, social workers, drug rehabilitation centers, and other behavioral health professionals.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Lung Transplantation presents the most current and up-to-date evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of BOS. In-depth chapters provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the definition and changing perceptions of the nature of BOS as a clinical and pathologic entity, immune and non-immune mechanisms that have been identified as risk factors for the development of BOS, and interventions that may prove to be clinically useful for the prevention or treatment of BOS. In addition to outlining the current state of knowledge, each chapter provides the reader with the most current and ongoing research in the field as well as identifies areas where future research is needed. Written by an international group of expert authors, Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Lung Transplantation is an important new text, that is essential reading for pulmonologists, primary care practitioners, respiratory care practitioners and clinical researchers.

The book provides an overview of current trends in biotechnology and medicinal plant sciences. The work includes detailed chapters on various advance biotechnological tools involved in production of phytoactive compounds of medicinal significance. Some recent and novel research studies on therapeutic applications of different medicinal plants from various geographical regions of the world have also been included. These studies report the antimicrobial activity of various natural plant products against various pathogenic microbial strains. Informative chapters on recent emerging applications of plant products such as source for nutraceuticals and vaccines have been integrated to cover latest advances in the field. This book also explores the conservation aspect of medicinal plants. Thus, chapters having comprehensively complied in vitro conservation protocols for various commercially important rare, threatened and endangered medicinal plants were provided in the present book.

This book, designed for professionals, introduces a psychobiological model for understanding the paths that lead people to illness and provides recommendations for alterations of maladaptive pathways so that health is regained. Research findings are incorporated to identify causal variables for illness that can be targets for change. Evidence based recommendations for healthy behaviors and therapies are described. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize recognition of turning points on the path to illness that, through informed decision making and implementation of behavioral change, can be re-directed to pathways to health. This book presents case material to illustrate the directions that lead people to illness or to health. The pathways metaphor provides an organizing force, both in addressing variables contributing to illness onset, and in identifying interventions to restore health. This approach will guide the clinician to understanding how people become ill and the types of interventions that are appropriate for stress related illnesses. The clinician will also become better informed about ways to help clients make better decisions, mobilize clients' survival skills, and implement an interactive model of care. The book includes chapters on stress-related illnesses with high prevalence in today's society. For each illness, the genetic-psychobiological etiology is explored with enough detail so that the clinician understands the best method of patient assessment and treatment. One of the strengths of the book is the step-wise system of interventions that are applied to the stress-related illnesses. Beginning with re-establishment of normal daily psychobiological rhythms and continuing to evidence based state of the art interventions, the professional is presented with detailed intervention plans. For example, the section on "Applications to common illnesses: metabolic disorders of behavior: diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia" considers the confluence of genetics, behavior, and maladaptive mind body interactions to produce the metabolic syndrome. Then the personal and professional assessments are described to establish the baseline for recommending treatment while fully engaging the patient. Finally, multilevel interventions are formulated for these disorders. The plan begins with clinician guided self care recommendations to re-establish the normal rhythm of appetite and satiety. The next level of interventions consists of skill building techniques, such as relaxation and imagery. Lastly, psychotherapy and advanced applied psychophysiological interventions are detailed. Case examples are used throughout to illustrate the pathways to illness, the turning points, and the pathways to health. From the patients' viewpoints, the pathways metaphor is a motivator. The patient is guided to understand the paths that led to illness. Subsequently, the patient becomes empowered by the pathways framework to begin to make choices that lead to health.

This Pocket Reference offer a multifaceted guide on various aspects of Alzheimer's disease. This thorough review discusses the challenges of diagnosis, different stages of the disease, testing, and current treatment methods, including pharmacological and nonpharmacological management of cognitive decline and symptoms due to Alzheimer's disease. The book also has specific chapters on care issues for patients with Alzheimer's disease, which describes what clinician's and caregivers should expect and how to manage the disease at its various stages. Additionally, the book provides helpful guides, tables, and tips for clinicians and caregivers to help care for the patient and the caregiver themselves.

Primary care physicians are increasingly called upon to identify and manage complex musculoskeletal issues in their patients. This second edition of Common Musculoskeletal Problems in Primary Care: A Handbook is an excellent point of care resource for health care providers to better diagnose and treat patients presenting with common musculoskeletal complaints. Each chapter in this book focuses on a specific joint or region and discusses anatomy, red flags, approach to the patient, common clinical presentations and management, and includes a flow diagram to help direct management and follow-up of a patient's problem. A number of important updates in the field have been addressed in this revised version, most notably the inclusion of information on meaningful use. Meaningful Use legislation requires that healthcare providers give documentation on diagnosis and treatment to every patient at the time of their evaluation and as such, each chapter of this revised edition includes patient instructions and education sections for clinicians. Updated algorithms and physical examination sheets are provided and are formatted to easily fit into an electronic medical record. Featuring a user-friendly approach and step-by-step guidelines for managing a number of common musculoskeletal conditions, this handbook is an ideal reference for medical students, primary care residents and practicing primary care providers alike.

The thoroughly updated second edition of this key textbook provides an authoritative discussion of cardiovascular disease for the practicing primary care clinician. It examines a variety of disease states with emphasis on risk factors, risk estimation, and established cardiac disease. The book also explores the co-morbid conditions that surround cardiovascular disease. It includes key points, algorithms, case studies, recommendations on evidence-based practice, and summary boxes. A key resource for the busy practitioner, the Second Edition of Comprehensive Cardiovascular Medicine in the Primary Care Setting is designed to give residents, fellows, and primary care physicians the skills to confidently perform assessments, initiate and maintain efficacious therapy, and know when a referral to a cardiologist is advisable.

This timely guide to communication in patient-centered medicine argues for greater clarity in explaining health risks versus benefits of an array of screening tests, procedures, and drug regimens. It reviews the growing trend toward patients' involvement in their own care, particularly in terms of chronic conditions, and details approaches physicians can use to prepare patients (and themselves) for collaborative decision-making based on informed choices and clear, meaningful knowledge. Chapters apply this lens to a wide range of common interventions as contentious as estrogen replacement therapy and antibiotics, and as widely prescribed as the daily aspirin and the annual physical. With this goal in mind, the authors also introduce an innovative decision-making tool that translates risks and benefits into a clear graphic format for fewer chances of miscommunication or misunderstanding. Among the topics covered: Involving the patient in decision making. Towards a universal decision aid. BRCT: the Benefit/Risk Characterization Theater. Breast Cancer Screening-Mammograms. Prostate Cancer Screening. Colon cancer screening with colonoscopy. Screening for and treating dementia. Statins, cholesterol, and coronary heart disease. Physicians in family and internal medicine will find Interpreting Health Benefits and Risks: A Practical Guide to Facilitate Doctor- Patient Communication a valuable resource for communicating with patients and new possibilities for working toward their better health and health education. This book considers several common and important situations where faulty decision-making makes overtreatment a serious risk. Clear, fair, referenced, and useful information is provided. And a powerful intuitive technique is introduced which allows patient and doctor to talk as equals as they work together in the exam room. The authors emphasize that some patients who have been fully educated will still accept high risks of harm for a small chance of avoiding premature death. But as this book is accepted and its ideas and technique are extended, I feel sure that net harm to patients will be curtailed. And what is more, the integrity of the decision-making process will be improved. -Thomas Finucane, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

This volume highlights research issues specific to geriatric oncology in the field of carcinogenesis and cancer prevention and treatment, based on the biologic interactions of cancer and age. It conveys a sustainable way of thinking about cancer and aging.

This concise drug guide lists 500 substances, such as pharmaceutical drugs, lifestyle drugs, and environmental toxicants, which show documented untoward effects on the male sexual organs and their functions. All substances are listed in user-friendly alphabetical order with a uniform structure throughout the book. Each listing includes evidence-based information with up-to-date references and all studies mentioned are evaluated and categorized according to study and sample types. This unique compendium provides more detailed information on each drug than any other standard pharmacology title.

Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long term disability. This book proposes different cellular therapies under investigation to promote neural regeneration after stroke. Authored by an international panel of scientists and clinicians, this volume is a vital, one-of-a-kind resource for all scientists interested in regenerative medicine.

Developed by renowned experts, this comprehensive and easy to read title offers a state-of-the-art description of the management of endocrine, diabetic, and metabolic emergencies and brings the field fully up to date, setting a high standard for diagnosis and treatment in each category. All chapters begin with a summary that presents, in concentrated form, what the physician needs to know to begin the evaluation and emergency treatment of the known endocrine emergencies. This is followed by an extended discussion of the pathophysiology that can be read after initial treatment has begun. Covering such areas as hypoglycemia, acute adrenal insufficiency, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, thyroid storm, and pituitary apoplexy, just to name several, Endocrine Emergencies: Recognition and Treatment is an invaluable, practical resource that will be of great interest to endocrinologists, internal medicine and emergency room physicians, fellows and residents.

This handbook offers timely investigation of current pharmaceutical trends, clinical guidelines, novel treatments, and ongoing pipeline developments, including ground-breaking advances in the use of novel oral anticoagulants. Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects an estimated 1-2% of the population and is the most common cause of sustained cardiac arrhythmia. Critically, the number of patients developing AF is expected to double in the next five decades, leading to increased incidence of stroke, heart failure and other serious thromboembolic events.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a classic female infertility condition affecting an estimated 6-10% of all women, many of whom are unaware of the problem. A disease that affects women from adolescence to menopause, PCOS is the single most common endrocrinologic abnormality affecting women. This book is an edited collection of writings that comprehensively covers the disease, from diagnosis and epidemiology of PCOS to clinical evaluation.

This handbook discusses developments and the future of gout treatment, which looks promising. Gout has been a well-known disease for over 2000 years, and is the most common cause of joint inflammation in adult males. It has become apparent that no therapeutic target based on hyperuricemia outcome had been defined. Very few controlled trials were available to test the efficacy and safety of treatments, and no research on diagnosis and management had been done despite data showing that patients with gout were generally improperly treated even in the hands of specialists. In the last 10 years, good-quality evidence on gout impact and management has grown exponentially, renal transporters have been recently identified, and a number of new drugs have been approved or are under current development.