The increased incidence of pancreatic cancer in the Western world and its grave prognosis has resulted in an urgency for research in this area. Until now the available data on toxicology of the pancreas has been few and fragmentary, scattered throughout the literature. A benchmark volume, Toxicology of the Pancreas pulls together information in this neglected area of toxicological research and highlights fundamental research performed in the last ten years. Leaders in the field discuss important structures, the detoxification and toxification process at the cellular and sub-cellular level, the distribution of phase 1 and phase 2 drug-metabolizing enzymes and their role in pancreatic disease, and the role of diet and toxicants on pancreatic disease. The book also covers the role of altered genes in the integrity of the pancreas and explores comparative toxicology in humans and in the lab species used in testing. Illustrated with histological, electron microscopical, and immunohistochemical formats, this book provides a comprehensive and novel presentation of biological and toxicological data. It stands alone as a reliable resource of information easily accessible to professionals in different disciplines.

Are you looking for concise, practical answers to questions that are often left unanswered by traditional medical searches? Are you seeking brief, evidence-based advice for complicated cases or complications? "Curbside Consultation of the Colon: 49 Clinical Questions "provides quick and direct answers to the thorny questions commonly posed during a "curbside consultation" between colleagues.
Dr. Brooks D. Cash has designed this unique reference, which offers expert advice, preferences, and opinions on tough clinical questions commonly associated with the colon. The unique Q&A format provides quick access to current information related to the colon with the simplicity of a conversation between two colleagues. Numerous images, diagrams, and references are included to enhance the text and to illustrate the treatment of the colon.
"Curbside Consultation of the Colon: 49 Clinical Questions "provides information basic enough for residents while also incorporating expert advice that even high-volume clinicians will appreciate. Gastroenterologists, fellows and residents in training, surgical attendings, and surgical residents will benefit from the user-friendly and casual format and the expert advice contained within.
Some of the questions that are answered:
- What is the appropriate evaluation for fecal incontinence?
- What colonic infections are associated with AIDS?
- What are the current colorectal cancer screening and surveillance recommendations?
- What is the best way to manage chronic constipation?
- Where do probiotics fit into the management of IBS?
- How should diverticulitis be managed?
- What is colonic pseudo-obstruction and how is itmanaged?

This concise pocket guide to urological investigative procedures reviews the indications and pitfalls of tests before they are requested and suggests which investigations should be performed in individual urological conditions.

Part I describes principles, methodology, advantages and disadvantages of each investigation and covers all urological investigations/tests from simple X-ray of the abdomen (KUB) to PET scanning. Part II offers advice on the choice of investigations for individual urological conditions. For each investigation in Part I and urological condition in Part II, important bullet points are highlighted in a a ~boxa (TM) - useful during a busy ward round, out-patient clinic, or for last-minute consultation prior a viva examination.

This comprehensive yet easy-to-read hadbook is aimed at urological trainees, urology nurse specialists, recently qualified junior urologists as well as practicing urologists as part of review and audit of practices.

This extremely important book is the comprehensive and authoritative independent consensus report of the British Nutrition Foundation's Task Force on Obesity. The Task Force was invited by the Council of the British Nutrition Foundation to review the present state of knowledge of the causes, consequences, prevention and treatment of obesity and to prepare a report and, should it see fit, to draw conclusions, make recommendations and identify areas for future research.

Obesity is an authoritative and definitive landmark publication covering all major aspects of this vitally important condition. Bringing together a huge wealth of research information from a wide variety of disciplines, in a well-presented, clear and carefully-edited format, Obesity is an indispensable guide for all personnel involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity, or for those studying and researching in this area. The book provides comprehensive coverage of the health risks, clinical assessment, epidemiology, aetiology, prevention and treatment of obesity.

Furthermore, the Task Force makes important recommendations, which should be considered by all those involved in this area.

Obesity provides core information for health professionals, including nutritionists, dietitians, nurses, family or general practitioners, physicians and sports scientists, and lecturers, undergraduates, postgraduates and postdoctoral researchers in nutrition, dietetics and related subjects.

Personnel in the pharmaceutical and food industry responsible for the development of special dietary products and medicines for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity as well as those involved in health promotionwill find this work to be an extremely valuable reference. Obesity should also be available on the shelves of all libraries in universities, medical schools and medical, nutrition and food science research establishments.

Functional somatic syndromes are defined as physical syndromes without an organic disease explanation, demonstrable structural changes, or established biochemical abnormalities. This book reviews the state of scientific and clinical understanding of the nine most common functional somatic syndromes. For each syndrome, expert contributors provide a brief historical perspective, a current definition, a case presentation, confirmatory and contradictory research findings, a discussion of the leading pathogenetic hypotheses, and guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Chapters offer advice for the determination of disability of patients with these medically unexplained disorders, while describing both medical and psychiatric interventions. Stressing the importance of a sound therapeutic relationship as a basis for treatment, this is an invaluable resource for professionals in primary care and many other disciplines.

Making Sense of Illness is a fascinating investigation into the social and clinical factors that determine what constitutes a "legitimate" illness in the twentieth century. By examining six case studies of diseases that have emerged within the past fifty years--from what we now consider to be "straightforward" diseases such as coronary heart disease, to the currently widely-debated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--Aronowitz examines the historical and cultural factors that influence how doctors think about illness; how illnesses are recognized, named, classified, and finally, what they "mean" in an individual and social context. The choices that are available to the investigators, clinicians, patients and the processes by which change occurs are factors that all play a great role in "legitimizing" an illness, and these are the roles that are seldom examined. By juxtaposing the histories of each disease, Aronowitz shows how cultural and historical precedents have determined research programs, public health activities, clinical decisions, and even the patient's experience of illness. This is a must-read for anyone interested in public health and the history of medicine in the United States.

The first edition of A Guide To Assessments That Work provided a much needed resource on evidence-based psychological assessment. Since the publication of the first edition, a number of advances have been made in the assessment field and a revised diagnostic system for mental disorders has been introduced. These changes are reflected in the second edition and new chapters have been included to cover the use of evidence-based assessment instruments and procedures in clinical practice and the use of evidence-based principles to integrate and interpret assessment data. This volume addresses the assessment of the most commonly encountered disorders or conditions among children, adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples. Strategies and instruments for assessing mood disorders, anxiety and related disorders, couple distress and sexual problems, health-related problems, and many other conditions are reviewed by leading experts. With a focus throughout on assessment instruments that are feasible, psychometrically sound, and useful for typical clinical requirements, this edition features the use of a rating system designed to provide evaluations of a measure's norms, reliability, validity, and clinical utility. Standardized tables summarize this information in each chapter, providing essential information on the most scientifically sound tools available for a range of assessment needs. With its focus on clinically relevant instruments and assessment tasks, this volume provides readers with the essential information for conducting the best evidence-based mental health assessments currently possible.

Reifying Women's Experiences with Invisible Illness: Illusions, Delusions, Reality provides a platform that recognizes that the experience of invisible illness is greatly influenced by context and personal circumstance. The contributors to this book include women who exude diversity as it relates to race and ethnicity, career, religious experience, education, social support, and interpersonal relationships. From recent college graduates to senior level professionals, these women share stories that create a space to advocate on behalf of the individual who is chronically ill rather than focusing on the often privileged perspective of medical professionals.

This authoritative and comprehensive 1996 publication looks in depth at a range of medical syndromes characterised by serious and unpredicted internal overheating of the body. These episodes may arise suddenly and unexpectedly in certain individuals, with life-threatening consequences, either as a result of heat stress, exceptional physical exertion or in response to certain common anaesthetics and some drugs, including ecstasy. The chapters focus on the full range of these syndromes, their metabolic and physiological basis, the important pre-disposing factors for the prediction of those at risk, and the medical management of these conditions. The volume includes important contributions from authors of international repute and incorporates a wealth of information from the Leeds malignant hyperthermia investigation unit. This compilation will be of interest to those wanting to understand these disorders.

The subject of medical entomology contin- factors such as insecticide susceptibility, vec- ues to be of great importance. Arthropodborne tor competence, host preference and similar im- diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue portant phenomena. Now, a variety of new and filariasis continue to cause considerable methods are available to study genes, and to human suffering and death. Problems in ani- genetically alter important characteristics in mal production, wildlife and pets of humans vectors as a potential means of controlling hu- caused by arthropods still exact a large eco- man and animal diseases. nomic toll. In the past 2 decades, the invasion Many of the traditional tasks of medical en- of exotic pests and pathogens has presented tomologists continue to be important. Arthro- new problems in several countries, including pod systematics is important because the need the USA. For example, the year 1999 saw the for accurate identification of arthropods is vital invasion of the eastern USA by Aedes japonicus, to an understanding of natural disease cycles. an Asian mosquito, and West Nile virus, a mos- Systematics has been made even more challeng- quito-transmitted African arbovirus related to ing because of the current appreciation of the St. Louis encephalitis virus. number of groups of sibling species among vec- At the same time old and new health prob- tors of important disease pathogens. New mo- lems with arthropods occur, the traditional ap- lecular tools are assisting in separating these proaches to arthropod control have become forms.

Is lowering your temperature when you have a fever helpful? Do you really need to finish every course of antibiotics? Or could some of the treatments you think are healing you actually be harming you? Medicine has significantly advanced in the last few decades. But while we have learned a lot, we still rely on medical interventions that are vastly out of date and can adversely affect our health. In this game-changing book, infectious-disease expert and Rotavirus vaccine inventor Dr Offit highlights fifteen common medical interventions still recommended and practised by medical professionals, despite clear evidence that they are harmful - including the treatment of acid reflux in babies and the reliance on heart stents and knee surgery. By presenting medical alternatives, Overkill gives patients invaluable information to help them ask their doctors better questions and to advocate for their own health.

From Simon & Schuster, Man and Microbes respected science writer Arno Karlen presents a dramatic panorama of the natural history of disease. Man and Microbes makes clear that infection is a natural and necessary part of life. It shows how the search for food, shelter, and a safer, more prosperous life has altered the environment, changed the dance of adaptation between humans and microbes, and generated new diseases

Clinical Imaging of the Small Intestine offers a complete review of small bowel radiology and its applications. With contributions from leading international authorities, the book provides the reader with the pertinent aspects of gastrointestinal radiology, specifically the problems of technique and interpretation that confront radiologists.The second edition was revised to include: - CT and MRI of the small bowel; - Sonography of the small bowel; - Assessing the activity of Crohn's disease with MRI; - Vascular disorders and small bowel obstructions; - Immune deficiency diseases; - Differential diagnosis based on both pathologic and radiologic findings; - New Figures and expanded index.The comprehensive scope of coverage makes this book a highly specialized but nonetheless state-of-the-art reference for those practitioners who have an interest in learning more about intestinal imaging, including radiologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons.

go beyond standard medical treatment to treat yourself to wellness
Suffering from a serious condition? Do you have questions that your doctor may not have answered-and are you wondering if you're doing everything you possibly can to get and stay well?
Turn to this authoritative, compassionate resource when you're seeking further guidance and reassurance. Written by a certified holistic nurse and approved by the most respected professional association of holistic nurses, American Holistic Nurses' Association Guide to Common Chronic Conditions offers a blend of traditional, alternative, and complementary advice that works in conjunction with your doctor's care. Based on the latest scientific research, this holistic self-care guide covers twenty chronic conditions, providing you with the total picture of your condition and explaining in clear, friendly language what you can do to complement your doctor's prescribed treatment. Holistic nurses engage in therapeutic partnerships with their clients, and this book will work with you to help you understand your condition and teach you specific, safe actions you can take to feel better and improve your health.
* Offers a host of self-care measures
* Presents thorough explanations of each condition, from diagnosis to enhanced wellness
* Addresses side effects and reactions to medicines, treatments, and surgery
* Includes cutting-edge research that supports each self-care approach

The maturation phenomenon, first described by Ito et al. in 1975, refers to postischemic changes that develop hours or days after an ischemic insult. The delayed neuronal death of CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus is a classic example. The report of the phenomenon boosted research in the field, as it became evident that ischemic damage is not a sudden event, but a process potentially susceptible to therapeutic intervention. Since then a growing number of studies have improved our knowledge on mechanisms of cell death and recovery. This volume contains the presentations of the 4th international symposium, held in New Orleans in October/November 1999, grouped in sections covering apoptosis and/or necrosis, neuronal recovery vs. death, and protection against infarction. It outlines the present status of investigations and provides further stimulation for research in this field.

A complete guide to the side-effects and treatments - both conventional and alternative - for endometriosis, from a respected name in the field who also suffers from endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a debilitating reproductive and immunological disease that affects 7-10 million American women each year. The disease occurs when the same kind of tissue that lines the walls of the uterus grows outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity or some other area of the body, usually significantly affecting the woman's fertility and often causing pelvic pain. And as with any condition that affects fertility, the results are often emotional and psychological as well as physical.

As someone who suffers from endometriosis, and who has connections to a wide network of healthcare professionals, Morris is the perfect person to guide sufferers through diagnosis, treatment and living well with the condition. Like the previous titles in our successful Living Well series, this book will offer a holistic approach to living with the disease. The author will offer strategies for coping with the psychological aspects of endometriosis, including how best to tell others about the condition; treatment options including alternative and complementary treatment plans; dealing with infertility; and weighing the hysterectomy option. The author will draw on her relationship with fellow sufferers as well as medical professionals to help readers, making this the most comprehensive guide to endometriosis available.

Kerry-Ann Morris was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1999. Since then she has become one of the most active members of the endometriosis community, and has started an outreach website for the disease.She has relationships with many fellow sufferers and experts in the medical community, making her the perfect author for a book on holistic treatment.

During the last 8-10 years the research on homocysteine has become very active. Hundreds of articles are now published each year. A disturbed homocysteine metabolism can be an underlying factor for pregnancy complications and fetal malformations, cardiovascular disease, dementia, psychiatric and neurologic disorders and possibly carcinogenesis. A disturbed homocysteine metabolism can in most cases be normalized by treatment with folate and/or vitamines B12 and B6. Many of these findings therefore directly concern most practitioners.

This concise 1993 volume proposes a standardized approach to the investigation of infertility. The volume provides clear guidelines and a logical sequence of steps which will quickly lead the clinician or physician to an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of infertility. This standardized approach to the management of infertility will lead to more efficient, systematic and economic care for the infertile couple. The diagnostic charts, which may be photocopied, provide an unambiguous route to diagnosis of the underlying cause of infertility, whilst the text fully explains and describes the essential clinical tests. The volume summarizes the results gained from the study of more than 10,000 infertile couples, who were investigated as part of the WHO's programme to counter the widespread personal distress caused by infertility. It is hoped that the standardized approach presented here will go some way towards countering this major problem.

International specialists in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine, Cardiology Immunology, Pneumonology, Neurology and Epidemiology gathered to this workshop to discuss and enhance interdisciplinary knowledge on the possible etiological role of Chlamydia pneumoniae, a widespread human respiratory infection, in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases with major public health impact such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, adult-onset asthma bronchiale, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, reactive arthritis, morbus Alzheimer and multiple sclerosis. Current deficits and goals in the standardisation of diagnostic tools, basic and applied research, design of epidemiological and monitoring of therapy studies were identified. A special feature of this book is the comprehensive collection of state-of-the-art review articles in the various fields with many references.

You can feel great again!

"Syndrome X proactively lays out a nutritious, tasty, and simple diet plan to get us back to the basics of healthy nutrition."–Lendon H. Smith, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Feed Your Body Right

"Syndrome X is the best new book to help you understand the facts about nutrition, health, and aging. . . . It is full of new information and insights most readers have never had access to before. Everyone who values his or her health will want to read the book and then individualize the program to suit his or her needs–the authors have made this easier than ever to do."–Richard A. Kunin, M.D., author of Mega-Nutrition

What is Syndrome X? It’s a resistance to insulin–the hormone needed to burn food for energy–combined with high cholesterol or triglycerides, high blood pressure, or too much body fat. Syndrome X ages you prematurely and significantly increases your risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, eye disease, nervous system disorders, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other age-related diseases.

Syndrome X is the first book to tell you how to fight the epidemic disorder that is derailing the health of nearly a third of North Americans. It outlines a complete three-step program–including easy-to-follow diets, light physical activity, and readily available vitamins and nutritional supplements–that will safeguard you against developing Syndrome X or reverse it if you already have it.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) refers to symptoms and events that result from abnormal regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus. GER is a common clinical problem that affects large segments of the general population. The spectrum of problems associated with GER is now known to also involve extra-esophageal sites. Respiratory diseases, in particular bronchial asthma, can be exacerbated by multiple triggers, including GER. The relationship between the occurrence of gastroesophageal disorders and changes in respiratory function has been known for over a century, but the mechanism by which intraesophageal acid regurgitation can produce respiratory symptoms is still debated. The reasons for these concurrent pathological events are also not fully understood. Determining, for instance, whether reflux itself initiates or exacerbates asthma, or whether asthma or its treatment primarily causes GER is a matter of current investigation.

The Maturation Phenomenon, described by Ito et al. in 1975 [3) on the basis of his to logical observations in the hippocampus as well as other portions of the cerebral hemisphere, refers to the hours or days of delay in the development of pathological changes in various parameters of ischemic injury following the restoration of blood flow to the ischemic brain. There is a direct relationship between the intensity of ischemic insult and the speed and rate of maturation of ischemic injury, a lesser intensity being associated with slower and less severe development of the lesions. The delayed neuronal death of CAl pyramidal cells of the hippocampus [8) is a classic example. In the cerebral cortex, with increasing intensity of the ischemic insult, the maturation phenomenon of ischemic injuries intensifies, seamlessly, from less exten sive to more extensive disseminated selective neuronal necrosis (DSNN), and then further to cerebral infarction upon reaching a critical threshold [1,2,4,6,7). We also have found that following ischemic insults just under the threshold level required to induce infarction, only disseminated selective neuronal necrosis (DSNN) progresses, while following ischemic insults at the threshold level, initially only DSNN develops, followed by the evolution of a gradually enlarging infarcted focus [5, 7). The reporting of this phenomenon boosted research in the field, as it became evi dent that ischemic damage is not a sudden event, but a process potentially susceptible to therapeutic intervention.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasingly important health problem world-wide. Whereas most other leading diseases have shown a decline in the past decades, COPD morbidity and mortality is on a steady increase. Exacerbations are usually defined as an increase in cough, a change in the colour or quantity of sputum, and a worsening dyspnea. The role of bacterial infections and the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECD) is still controversial. Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis are a common occurrence in clinical practice and are a leading cause of antibiotic prescription among respiratory infections. It is still uncertain whether each new exacerbation may deteriorate the natural history of chronic bronchitis. Undoubtedly, every episode includes a temporary worsening in lung function and may therefore pose the threat of respiratory failure or death in more severely obstructed patients.

"Syndrome X proactively lays out a nutritious, tasty, and simple diet plan to get us back to the basics of healthy nutrition."–Lendon H. Smith, M.D., New York Times bestselling author of Feed Your Body Right

"Syndrome X is a well-written, easy–to–follow guide that provides life–saving information for the whole family. This book offers a smart and easy solution to the problem of insulin resistance. It also provides terrific information on how to lose weight without losing your mind in the process. The recipes are great—you'll want to keep a copy in your kitchen."–Carol Colman, New York Times bestselling coauthor of Shed 10 Years in 10 Weeks and Stop Depression Now

"Syndrome X could very well be the next public health crisis, and the information in this book can keep you from becoming another statistic. The nutritional and supplement advice in Syndrome X should help you stay healthy and lean."–Fred Pescatore, M.D.,author of Feed Your Kids Well and Thin For Good

"Syndrome X clearly shows the importance of antioxidant supplementation in keeping you healthy and preventing disease."–Lester Packer, Ph.D., author of The Antioxidant Miracle; director of the Packer Lab, The University of California at Berkeley

"Syndrome X is the best new book to help you understand the facts about nutrition, health, and aging. . . . It is full of new information and insights most readers have never had access to before. Everyone who values his or her health will want to read the book and then individualize the program to suit his or her needs the authors have made this easier than ever to do."–Richard A. Kunin, M.D., author of Mega-Nutrition

"A much-needed guide for the millions who have Syndome X and don't know it until they suffer serious health consequences. I am recommending it to my many patients who have this problem."–Priscilla Slagle, M.D., author of The Way Up from Down

"Superb. . . . The concepts in Syndrome X need to be understood by every person seeking or giving advice about symptoms like fatigue, lack of vigor, and mental fuzziness."–Hugh D. Riordan, M.D., President, the Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning

ABC of Multimorbidity is the first title to provide primary care practitioners with a practical approach to the complex issues of treating and managing patients with more than one morbidity. Ageing populations and earlier diagnosis of chronic conditions mean more people are living longer with multimorbidity. However, treatment guidelines are often designed for treatment in isolation of other morbidities. Multimorbidity management therefore requires a more patient centred approach and greater knowledge and coordination of existing services. Effective multimorbidity management both improves overall patient well-being and reduces the overall demand on health services. ABC of Multimorbidity examines how multimorbidities can be addressed within primary care, from the GP and family physician consultation through to the effective use of a range of health care services. It addresses complex issues such as polypharmacy, mental health, patient safety, patient involvement in self-management, and the role of the practitioner. It then provides guidance on how multimorbidities can be best treated and managed within primary care through specific interventions to improve outcomes. From an international, primary care editor and contributor team, ABC of Multimorbidity is a practical resource for general practitioners, family physicians, practice and specialist nurses, and others caring for multimorbid patients. It is also relevant for junior doctors, medical trainees and students.