Since publication of the initial version of "Plagues & Poxes" in 1987, which had the optimistic subtitle "The Rise and Fall of Epidemic Disease," the rise of new diseases such as AIDS and the deliberate modification and weaponization of diseases such as anthrax have changed the way we perceive infectious disease.

With major modifications to deal with this new reality, the acclaimed author of "Civil War Medicine: Challenges and Triumphs" has updated and revised this series of essays about changing disease patterns in history and some of the key events and people involved in them. It deals with the history of major outbreaks of disease - both infectious diseases such as plague and smallpox and noninfectious diseases - and shows how they are in many cases caused inadvertently by human actions, including warfare, commercial travel, social adaptations, and dietary modifications. To these must now be added discussion of the intentional spreading of disease by acts of bioterrorism, and the history and knowledge of those diseases that are thought to be potential candidates for intentional spread by bioterrorists.

Among the many topics discussed are:

How the spread of smallpox and measles among previously unexposed populations in the Americas, the introduction of malaria and yellow fever from Africa via the importation of slaves into the Western hemisphere, and the importation of syphilis to Europe all are related to the modern interchange of diseases such as AIDS.

How the ever-larger populations in the cities of Europe and North America gave rise to "crowd diseases" such as polio by permitting the existence of sufficient numbers of non-immune people in sufficient numbers to keep the diseases from dying out.

How the domestication of animals allowed diseases of animals to affect humans, or perhaps become genetically modified to become epidemic human diseases.

Why the concept of deficiency diseases was not understood before the early twentieth century; disease, after all, was the presence of something abnormal, how could it be due to the absence of something? In fact, the first epidemic disease in human history probably was iron deficiency anemia.

How changes in the availability and nature of specific foods have affected the size of population groups and their health throughout history. The introduction of potatoes to Ireland and corn to Europe, and the relationship between the modern technique of rice milling and beriberi, all illustrate the fragile nutritional state that results when any single vegetable crop is the main source of food.

Why biological warfare is not a new phenomenon. There have been attempts to intentionally cause epidemic disease almost since the dawn of recorded history, including the contamination of wells and other water sources of armies and civilian populations; of course, the spread of smallpox to Native Americans during the French and Indian War is known to every schoolchild. With our increased technology, it is not surprising that we now have to deal with problems such as weaponized spores of anthrax.

This publication is concerned with the early stages of language acquisition and is designed for use by early childhood teachers, nursery nurses, special education teachers and others working with children experiencing difficulties in learning to talk. Procedures are described that can be used to assess a child' s current skills and plan activities to increase communicative competence.

The programme described is based on a developmental sequence that moves the early skills of joint attention, turn-taking and appropriate play to the more complex skills of asking and answering questions. Other issues discussed include sound development and intelligibility, the use of augmentative and alternative communication as stepping stones to speech, working with children and with families.

The second edition has an expanded focus on the place of communicative intentions in early language development.

"Enduring Change in Eating Disorders" provides a unique perspective on the successful treatment of eating disorders, which are among the most debilitating and recalcitrant psychiatric diseases. Unique in the field, this book details effective Structural Family therapy with qualitative follow-ups of up to 20 years. A practical approach providing concrete tools to the clinician to creating change that holds over time with bulimia, anorexia, and compulsive overeating.
The text draws on cases from the author's practice of over twenty-five years and follow his approach in the theoretical tradition of Intensive Structural Family Therapy (IST). Chapters discuss the nature and significance of eating disorders, a review of current treatment approaches, and the importance of the family in the therapeutic process. Cases of eating disorders in youths and adults are provided as well as instances of bulimia, anorexia, and compulsive overeating. Three appendices provide the reader with information regarding the scientific basis of the IST model, the effectiveness of the approach in treating conditions other thank eating disorders and preventing eating disorders.

Clinical practice guidelines were initially developed within the context of evidence-based medicine with the goal of putting medical research findings into practice. However, physicians do not always follow them, even when they seem to apply to the particular patient they have to treat. This phenomenon, known as clinical inertia, represents a significant obstacle to the efficiency of care and a major public health problem, the extent of which is demonstrated in this book. An analysis of its causes shows that it stems from a discrepancy between the objective, essentially statistical nature of evidence-based medicine on the one hand and the physician's own complex, subjective view (referred to here as "medical reason") on the other. This book proposes a critique of medical reason that may help to reconcile the principles of evidence-based medicine and individual practice. The author is a diabetologist and Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases at Paris 13 University. He has authored several books, including one to be published by Springer (Philosophy and Medicine series) under the title: The Mental Mechanisms of Patient Adherence to Long Term Therapies, Mind and Care. , Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases at the Paris 13-University. He has also published Pourquoi Se soigne-t-on, Enquete sur la rationalite morale de l'observance (2007), Clinique de l'Observance, L'Exemple des diabetes (2006), and Une theorie du soin, Souci et amour face a la maladie (2010). An English adaptation of the first book is published by Springer (Philosophy and Medicine) under the title: The Mental Mechanisms of Patient Adherence to Long Term Therapies, Mind and Care.

How may nurses be enabled to contribute to, develop and advance their practice when working in bureaucratic and hierarchical health care settings? Corporate recognition and support for nurse--led change and development is gradually increasing. However, 'top down' change is still frequently imposed without due regard for the wisdom of practitioners. Nurses should explore the theory and practice of change, identify changes to enhance the quality of patient care, and systematically put these into practice. As a result, they will be better equipped to cope with the implementation of national and local policy initiatives, which include shared clinical governance and evidence based nursing practice, both of which are described in this text. This book documents how nurses attempt to undertake change and development in clinical practice through the use of the exploratory, creative, innovative and empowering process of critical action research. The text illustrates the evolution and outcome of the change process. The personal developmental process of engaging in collaborative change in clinical practice is clearly evident. Change is very difficult and complex and if it is to be accomplished successfully it needs to be clearly understood. Consequently, the book also explores the complexity of attempting change in clinical practice. This includes the identification of some of the disempowering processes (both actual and imagined) that currently exist in health care settings.

Nutritional Aspects of Bone Health provides an in-depth review of the role of diet in the development and maintenance of bone health throughout the lifecycle, and prevention of osteoporosis in later life. The book is multi-authored by the world's leading researchers in this area, who have come together to formulate the first ever textbook on nutritional aspects of bone health, and includes the current and cutting edge science underpinning the prevention of bone disease. The book is structured such that, in the first section, an overview is provided on what is meant by the terms bone health and osteoporosis and includes key areas such as epidemiology, genetics and the impact of non-nutritional exogenous factors influencing the skeleton. The second section details the established nutritional factors affecting bone health, namely calcium and vitamin D. Section three focuses on the role of macronutrients and macrominerals in bone health, namely protein, phosphorus, sodium and potassium, including the criticality of acid-base homeostasis to skeletal integrity. Section four addresses the effects of microminerals, trace elements, vitamin K, vitamin A and isoflavones on bone. Section five focuses attention on key issues connected with the influence of diet and anorexia and bulimia on bone health including nutrition and bone growth; nutrient: gene interactions; nutrient: drug interactions; and the final section discusses the effect of diet on reduction of fracture risk; the cost-effectiveness of nutritional supplements; and nutritional strategies for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The book is targeted at a number of key audiences. Whilst there is a focus on the academic research world and those principally involved in education, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the book will also be of considerable interest to those participating in the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, namely those working in the medical and health promotion fields. Furthermore, Nutritional Aspects of Bone Health will be of particular interest to the food industry as the popularity of foods designed to target specific health issues increases, and nutritional therapy has a critical role to play in this major public health problem.

Revised and expanded, this blue-ribbon reference emphasizes the latest developments in the identification, utilization, and analysis of flavonoids for the prevention of disease and maintenance of good health. The book examines the processes involved in the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of these compounds and the impact of biotransformation on flavonoid function.
The Second Edition contains new discussions on the potential of dietary flavonoids to attenuate neurological dysfunction and degeneration, developments in gene expression and genomics for identification of therapeutic targets and markers of disease, and the mechanisms regulating flavonoid bioavailability.

Good clinical practice is impossible without an understanding of the ways in which patients present their complaints. Patients have their own styles of coping and of expressing their concerns, and without a clear understanding of these the clinician may find successful and swift diagnosis and treatment much harder to achieve. Coping and Complaining provides essential guidance for clinicians on how to identify various coping styles, and how to improve the quality of discourse with people of different backgrounds and ages.
Drawing on a diverse range of evidence from such areas as developmental psychology, and theories on learning and memory, Coping and Complaining provides essential information on identification of patients' coping styles, focusing on such areas as:
· The latest developments in attachment theory
· The neurobiology of emotional development, and the biology of language development
· Primary processes in early development
· Communication, role play, the moral order of the consultation, and emotional first aid
· Consequences for preventive medicine
Coping and Complaining presents stimulating new approaches to consultations with patients and creative new ways of looking at health promotion.

Related link: Free Email Alerting

The second edition of this popular pocket book gives an overview of internal medicine, and is a highly relevant study aid for senior medical students and post-graduates preparing for examinations. Clinicians as well as students will find it a very useful aide memoire, as it packs between its covers the essentials of this large subject and gives a rapid update in current diagnosis and therapeutics.

Complex material is distilled and organised in a logical and accessible way, with integration of clinical, laboratory, imaging and therapeutic information. Extensively re-written with the assistance of two new authors, the subject matter has been carefully reviewed to ensure it is accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive. An overall standard format is used, covering clinical clues, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics. Key facts are presented as skeleton lists and tables, carefully derived from medical literature and other authoritative sources. Additional material on pharmacology and best evidence is included. This little book emphasises essential areas that may well be overlooked when one is reading the major textbooks which it complements.

Readable, compact and portable, it is a straight-forward study aid for medical students, and a dependable reference for junior doctors or for established practitioners, either in the office or on the wards.

Simple Medicine chronicles the change in primary care medicine over the past 50 years. Despite all the new medical technology, studies, medications, specialization, and computers, medical care is fractured. The physician-to-physician relationships have decayed. The federal government and insurance companies are dictating what they think is appropriate medical care. Too many patients are over medicated and not receiving the standard of care that is warranted in 2021. In Simple Medicine, the most common medical conditions, complaints, screening, medications, and medical testing are described in layman terms and very easy to understand, helping patients take control of their own health care and challenge their doctor to do the right thing.

Herbal Medicines Offer Hope for Combating Hepatitis C

More than 500 million people worldwide carry the deadly hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis C poses a public health crisis far greater than the AIDS epidemic. This deadly disease, which can go undetected for years, eventually attacks the liver, causing cirrhosis, cancer, and even liver failure. Conventional medical treatments for hepatitis C have limited effectiveness. In Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver, Stephen Buhner examines the most recent research on how hepatitis C affects the body. He offers important information, practical guidance, and hope. This book includes:

* Clear descriptions of the common medical tests and treatments for hepatitis C -- what they mean and how effective they are.

* A guide to knowing and using the top herbal medicines that work to protect the liver and stregthen the immune system.

* A protocol for cleansing and strengthening the body with a combination of diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes.

The aim of this work is to reduce the risks of medical treatment and e nhance the safety of patients in all areas of healthcare. The first se ction discusses human error, the incidence of harm to patients, and th e development of risk management. Chapters in the second section discu ss the reduction of risk in clinical practice in key medical specialti es. The third section discusses features of the healthcare systems tha t are essential to safe practice, such as communication of risk to pat ients, the design of equipment, supervision and training, and effectiv e teamwork. The fourth section describes how to put risk management in to practice, including the effective and sensitive handling of complai nts and claims, the care of injured patients and the staff involved, a nd the reporting, investigation and analysis of serious incidents.

This text was developed with the practicing physician in mind, however, it will be of considerable interest to the virologist, pharmacologist, chemist and all scientists interested in antiviral agents.

Progress in the field of antiviral development is now moving rapidly and there is hope that one day there will be successful treatment modalities for most viral diseases. This work contains contributions from experts around the world, capturing worldwide practices.

An online version providing the current status of antiviral research is planned for the near future.

This book focuses on the aerosol treatment of lung diseases, recent improvements in the understanding of proper dosage, and major innovations in device technology applied to clinical practice.
Examines the behavior of inspired spherical particles in the respiratory tract
Featuring over 1300 references, drawings, tables, photographs, and micrographs, Drug Delivery to the Lung
outlines the history of inhaled medications in the treatment of respiratory disease
describes aspects of respiratory structure to inhalation therapy emphasizing developmental changes
compares existing in vitro/in vivo correlations for key aerosol modalities with lung model predictions
discusses particle diameter measurement, particle size statistics, and aerosol test methods
reviews the clinical effects of altering the deposition site of various classes of aerosolized drugs
surveys the development of novel, efficient, and convenient nebulizer systems
details breath-actuated and spacer devices constructed for children
analyzes dry-powder and pressurized metered dose inhalers
considers the transition from CFCs to new environmentally friendly chemical propellants
and more
Giving the clinician an overview of factors essential to understanding drug delivery via nebulization, Drug Delivery to the Lung is a superlative reference for pulmonologists; physiologists; pharmaceutical scientists; immunologists; allergists; analytical, organic, and medicinal chemists and biochemists; chemical, genetic, and process engineers; and medical and graduate school students in these disciplines.

Ancient Egyptian medicine employed advanced surgical practices, while the prevention and treatment of diseases relied mostly on natural remedies and magical incantations. Following the successful first volume of The Medicine of the Ancient Egyptians, which dealt with surgical practices and the treatment of women and children, this second volume explores a wide range of internal medical problems that the Egyptian population suffered in antiquity, and various methods of their treatment. These include ailments of the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems, chiefly heart diseases of various types, coughs, stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, internal parasites, and many other medical conditions. Drawing on formulas and descriptions in the Ebers papyrus and other surviving ancient Egyptian medical papyri, as well as physical evidence and wall depictions, the authors present translations of the medical treatises together with commentaries and interpretations in the light of modern medical knowledge. The ancient texts contain numerous recipes for the preparation of various remedies, often herbal in the form of pills, drinks, ointments, foods, or enemas. These reveal a great deal about ancient Egyptian physicians and their deep understanding of the healing properties of herbs and other medicinal substances. Illustrated with thirty-five photographs and line drawings, The Medicine of the Ancient Egyptians: 2: Internal Medicine is highly recommended reading for scholars of ancient Egyptian medicine and magic, as well as for paleopathologists, medical historians, and physical anthropologists.

This state-of-the-art reference provides current and effective disease-specific strategies for the management of patients receiving mechanical ventilation-emphasizing weaning processes, monitored sedation, minimization of complications and infection, and new modes of treatment for patients in critical care. Exploring ancillary approaches, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, oxygenation, and bronchodilator therapy as options to optimize cost and reduce injury, Ventilator Management Strategies for Critical Care discusses -methods to diagnose, manage, and avoid ventilator-associated pneumonia -consequences of extubation failure -mechanics of true closed-loop ventilation -neuromuscular blocking agents and physiological disturbances -therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -and more! With contributions by over 40 seasoned experts in the field, Ventilator Management Strategies for Critical Care is a valuable resource for intensive or critical care and pulmonary or critical care specialists, surgical critical care specialists, anesthesiologists, physiologists, physiatrists and rehabilitation physicians, respiratory therapists, and medical school and graduate students in these disciplines.

This edition lays out the management of critical emergencies such as STEMI, non-STEMI, and unstable angina. With the rapid growth of STEMI centres, the protocols and guidelines are very precise allowing emergency providers to save more lives. This book includes the new classification guidelines of myocardial infarction with an explanation of the different types of MI. Additionally, stroke guidelines are clearer than ever before, allowing for improved patient outcomes. It increases our understanding of sepsis management and the rule of 1-1-1 and it will also help clinicians simplify and manage complex emergencies. Presented in an easy-to-read format. Colour images and illustrations for quick and easy understanding. Provides comprehensive updates throughout using the latest guidelines. Universal management of most common cases seen in the emergency room, useful for medical students, resident physicians, nurses and all other healthcare providers.

Make your patients'final days as comfortable as possible!There are few situations more challenging and emotionally taxing to a medical professional than the care of the terminally ill. Much has been learned in recent years about symptom control that can profoundly improve the quality of life in a patient's final days.Evidence Based Symptom Control in Palliative Care: Systemic Reviews and Validated Clinical Practice Guidelines for 15 Common Problems in Patients with Life Limiting Disease provides you with symptom control approaches that will help meet patients'last wishes, improve the quality of life for patients and their families, and lessen their physical and emotional pain. Palliative care--often based on anecdotal experience--has until now been inconsistent and much of the time less than optimally effective. Evidence Based Symptom Control in Palliative Care is the result of comprehensive literature reviews and clinical validation resulting in recommendations and suggestions for therapies that will improve the lives of patients who are in pain and discomfort. Evidence Based Symptom Control in Palliative Care presents seven sections--Algorithm, Literature Review, Evidence Tables, Drug Therapy Tables, Evaluation Instruments, Unanswered Questions, and References--on each of these problems: anorexia and cachexia anxiety bleeding problems constipation delirium depression diarrhea dyspnea (shortness of breath) fatigue and weakness mouth problems nausea and vomiting nutrition and hydrationEvidence Based Symptom Control in Palliative Care is a vital guide for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other clinicians caring for patients with advanced irreversible diseases. Thisvolume supplies the data you'll require to offer patients relevant care and meet their needs.

The first edition of "An Aid to the MRCP Short Cases" rapidly estabished itself as a classic and has sold over 25,000 copies.

The aims of this revised and extended second edition are the same as those of the first: to provide a comprehensive guide for those preparing for the short cases section of the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians examination. The MRCP examination is a major hurdle for all trainee hospital physicians and has a failure rate of over 70%.

The largest part of the book consists of 200 short cases that are presented in order of frequency of their occurrence in the examination (based on an extensive survey of successful candidates). The clinical features of each case are fully covered and supported by illustrations and photographs. The emphasis throughout the book is on examination technique and how to present the clinical information in the style that the examiners expect. In short, it is an indispensable guide for anyone preparing for this critical examination.

Coumarins are a group of compounds that have important roles as food constituents; as anti-oxidants, stabilisers, and immunomodulatory substances; as fluorescent markers for use in analysis, in lasers and in clinical use. Coumarins: Biology, Applications and Mode of Action predominantly focuses on the parent compound, coumarin, and its main metabolite in humans, 7-hydroxycoumarin. It describes in detail every facet of these compounds including history, toxicology, chemistry, metabolism, analysis, clinical, veterinary and other applications, their roles as immunomodulatory agents and speculates on their mode of action. Features include:
* New insights into mode of action of coumarins
* Comprehensive summary of new coumarin compounds
* Detailed accounts of methods used for analysis
* Applications of coumarins for diverse methods of analysis
This volume will be of interest to those working in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, clinical sciences and toxicology.

This is the first critical edition and translation of the first Islamic medical work on fevers. Zad almusafir is perhaps the most influential handbook in the history of medical science, and Gerrit Bos's provides invaluable insight into the medical theory of Book Seven.

This book assumes that it is no longer tenable to work in healthcare without considering the person as a whole being constituted by a rich weaving of mind, body, culture, family, spirit and ecology. The MindBody approach embraces this 'whole.' But how does it transform clinical practice and training for the clinician and treatment for the patient/client? The book collects together the experiences from a diverse range of clinical practitioners (including psychotherapy, specialist medicine, general practice, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, , nursing, and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners) who have deliberately chosen to integrate a MindBody philosophy and skill set in their clinical practices. All reflect deeply on their unique journeys in transforming their clinical encounters. Most have been trained in the dominant Western framework and have inherited the classical dualistic approach which typically keeps mind and body apart.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a new therapy for advanced heart failure patients. This therapy has been shown to improve quality of life, exercise capacity, NYHA classification, and even reverse the detrimental "reverse remodeling" that occurs in advanced heart failure - in patients already receiving optimal pharmacological therapy.

The typical patient has NYHA III/IV HF symptoms, a QRS > 120 ms, LVEDD > 55 mm, without any indication required for pacing. The therapy is available in an ICD device, too. CRT has been shown to be effective in patients with both ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The implant procedure is part of a learning curve. Many physicians who already perform electrophysiology procedures, or PPM, or ICD implants are the ideal implanter - but are surprised at the challenges this implant presents. This book will help "flatten" the learning curve for new physician implanting, and will provide a "guide' for those who have already started implanting.

The success rate is about 90o after 10 years of application, we have found that there are still patients who do not get access to this great therapy because of the complexity of the patient's anatomy, or physician skills.

The book is written by three authors with a great deal of experience culminating in over 3000 cases between them.

This book is intended for cardiologists who currently implant either or both pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators with cardiac resynchronization therapy (also called bi-ventricular pacing), or plan to implant in the future. This book will be extremely useful for the new cardiologist in training who is learning to implant devices.

The Annual Update compiles reviews of the most recent developments in clinical intensive care and emergency medicine research and practice in one comprehensive book. The chapters are written by well recognized experts in these fields. The book is addressed to everyone involved in intensive care and emergency medicine, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics.