Acute cholecystitis is a pathological entity of inflammatory origin, with a high prevalence worldwide. The term cholecystitis defines an inflammation of the gallbladder. Although most people with gallstones do not have symptoms and will not go on to develop cholecystitis, cholecystitis occurs most commonly due to blockage of the cystic duct with gallstones (cholelithiasis). In this book, Chapter One provides a contemporary review of acute cholecystitis (AC). Chapter Two examines the diagnosis and treatment options for AC. Chapter Three focuses on the diagnostic work-up of patients with AC. Chapter Four discusses early and delayed cholecystectomy as a treatment for AC. Chapter Five examines the current literature as it pertains to the management of patients who present with Grade II (moderate) acute cholecystitis, specifically looking at the timing of operation and the appropriateness of drainage procedures. Chapter Six reviews cholecystitis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Milton Taylor, Indiana University, offers an easy-to-read and fascinating text describing the impact of viruses on human society. The book starts with an analysis of the profound effect that viral epidemics had on world history resulting in demographic upheavals by destroying total populations. It also provides a brief history of virology and immunology. Furthermore, the use of viruses for the treatment of cancer (viral oncolysis or virotherapy) and bacterial diseases (phage therapy) and as vectors in gene therapy is discussed in detail. Several chapters focus on viral diseases such as smallpox, influenza, polio, hepatitis and their control, as well as on HIV and AIDS and on some emerging viruses with an interesting story attached to their discovery or vaccine development. The book closes with a chapter on biological weapons. It will serve as an invaluable source of information for beginners in the field of virology as well as for experienced virologists, other academics, students, and readers without prior knowledge of virology or molecular biology.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a very important clinical imaging tool. It combines different fields of physics and engineering in a uniquely complex way. MRI is also surprisingly versatile, 'pulse sequences' can be designed to yield many different types of contrast. This versatility is unique to MRI. This short book gives both an in depth account of the methods used for the operation and construction of modern MRI systems and also the principles of sequence design and many examples of applications. An important additional feature of this book is the detailed discussion of the mathematical principles used in building optimal MRI systems and for sequence design. The mathematical discussion is very suitable for undergraduates attending medical physics courses. It is also more complete than usually found in alternative books for physical scientists or more clinically orientated works.

Technology is playing an increasing role in the lives of the elderly. One of the most prevalent developments for the aging population is the use of technological innovations for intervention and treatment of individuals with mental impairments. The Handbook of Research on Innovations in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia offers empirical research and theoretical analyses on the cognitive impairment of the aging. Featuring studies in gerotechnology, this book is an essential resource for researchers, students, and practitioners in the field of geriatrics who are interested in the emerging research, clinical practices, therapy, and technological innovations concerning the development and treatment of dementia.

This book has been produced based on original research findings. The levels of natriuretic peptides have a direct relation with severity of left ventricular dilatation and thus with severity of heart failure which is otherwise assessed by echocardiography. The objective of this research was to assess the level of NT-ProBNP in patients with different grades of heart failure and compare it with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction obtained on echocardiography. brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a biologically active peptide, has become a potential diagnostic aid to identify patients with elevated ventricular filling pressure who are likely to exhibit signs and symptoms of heart failure. It is released from cardiac myocytes in response to increased stretch resulting from cardiac dilatation or hypertrophy as occurs in heart failure. BNP is cleaved from proBNP alongwith the hormonally inactive peptide NT-ProBNP. BNP acts to reduce the adverse stimulus of stretch by causing both arterial and veno-dilatation and reduction in blood volume through natriuresis, and suppression of secretion of renin and aldosterone. NT-ProBNP is biologically inactive and its measurement has an advantage over BNP due to its longer half life and wider dynamic range. Elevation of BNP and NTproBNP indicates left ventricular systolic dysfunction or diastolic dysfunction associated with elevated wall stress, or myocardial hypertrophy. Postgraduate Medical Complex, Lahore, Pakistan & Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia.

A rapid development in diverse areas of molecular biology and genetic engineering resulted in emergence of variety of tools. These tools are not only applicable to basic researches being carried out world over, but also exploited for precise detection of abnormal conditions in plants, animals and human body. Although a basic researcher is well versed with few techniques used by him/her in the laboratory, they may not be well acquainted with methodologies, which can be used to work out some of their own research problems. The picture is more blurred when the molecular diagnostic tools are to be used by physicians, scientists and technicians working in diagnostic laboratories in hospitals, industry and academic institutions. Since many of them are not trained in basics of these methods, they come across several gray areas in understanding of these tools. The accurate application of molecular diagnostic tools demands in depth understanding of the methodology for precise detection of the abnormal condition of living body. To meet the requirements of a good book on molecular diagnostics of students, physicians, scientists working in agricultural, veterinary, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, it needs to expose the reader lucidly to: Give basic science behind commonly used tools in diagnostics Expose the readers to detailed applications of these tools and Make them aware the availability of such diagnostic tools The book will attract additional audience of pathologists, medical microbiologists, pharmaceutical sciences, agricultural scientists and veterinary doctors if the following topics are incorporated at appropriate places in Unit II or separately as a part of Unit-III in the book. Molecular diagnosis of diseases in agricultural crops Molecular diagnosis of veterinary diseases. Molecular epidemiology, which helps to differentiate various epidemic strains and sources of disease outbreaks. Even in different units of the same hospital, the infections could be by different strains of the same species and the information becomes valuable for infection control strategies. Drug resistance is a growing problem for bacterial, fungal and parasitic microbes and the molecular biology tools can help to detect the drug resistance genes without the cultivation and in vitro sensitivity testing. Molecular diagnostics offers faster help in the selection of the proper antibiotic for the treatment of tuberculosis, which is a major problem of the in the developing world. The conventional culture and drug sensitivity testing of tuberculosis bacilli is laborious and time consuming, whereas molecular diagnosis offers rapid drug resistant gene detection even from direct clinical samples. The same approach for HIV, malaria and many more diseases needs to be considered. Molecular diagnostics in the detection of diseases during foetal life is an upcoming area in the foetal medicine in case of genetic abnormalities and infectious like TORCH complex etc. The book will be equally useful to students, scientists and professionals working in the field of molecular diagnostics.

Biophotonic diagnostics/biomedical spectroscopy can revolutionise the medical environment by providing a responsive and objective diagnostic environment. This book aims to explain the fundamentals of the physical techniques used combined with the particular requirements of analysing medical/clinical samples as a resource for any interested party. In addition, it will show the potential of this field for the future of medical science and act as a driver for translation across many different biological problems/questions.

Of the injuries inflicted on physically abused children, head injuries are, in many cases, among the most damaging and potentially lethal. First responders and medical practitioners encountering children with head injuries may need to take quick and decisive measures to ensure a child's safety and, in the case of child death investigation, will need to recognize a variety of head injuries in order to identify or to rule out abusive trauma. This third volume of a new and ongoing series on child abuse provides professionals in medicine and law enforcement with more than 600 full-color photos and accompanying case studies representing a variety of both abusive and unintentional head injuries in children, as well as photographic studies of conditions mimicking abusive head trauma. Compact and comprehensive, this new title is certain to be an invaluable resource for any professionals investigating head injuries in children.

Addressing the origin, current status, and future development of point-of-care diagnostics, and serving to integrate knowledge and tools from Analytical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanotechnology, this book focusses on addressing the collective and combined needs of industry and academia (including medical schools) to effectively conduct interdisciplinary research. In addition to summarizing and detailing developed diagnostic devices, this book will attempt to point out the possible future trends of development for point-of-care diagnostics using both scientifically based research and practical engineering needs with the aim to help novices comprehensively understand the development of point-of-care diagnostics. This includes demonstrating several common but critical principles and mechanisms used in point-of-care diagnostics that address practical needs (e.g., disease or healthcare monitoring) using two well-developed examples so far: 1) blood glucose meters (via electrochemistry); and, 2) pregnancy tests (via lateral flow assay). Readers of this book will come to fully comprehend how to develop point-of-care diagnostics devices, and will be inspired to contribute to a critical global cause - the development of inexpensive, effective, and portable in vitro diagnostics tools (for any purpose) that can be used either at home or in resource limited areas.

In the investigation of child abuse, consistent investigative protocol and clear, thorough documentation of facts and findings are essential to ensuring justice for victims, both for those who survive and for those who do not. In order to achieve the best possible results in such cases, multidisciplinary investigative teams of first responders, law enforcement, and medical practitioners should be well prepared for the process of investigation and documentation as they work in tandem toward a just end for every case of abuse. This new pocket atlas, part of an ongoing series on child abuse, offers nearly 500 full-color photos detailing proper approaches to crime scene investigation, physical and postmortem examinations, and photodocumentation, as well as a section on radiology and common fractures in cases of child maltreatment. Readers in medicine, law enforcement, and any other readers involved with child abuse and death investigations will enjoy the benefit of a compact and accessible guide to investigation and documentation.

This new pocket atlas, part 5 of an ongoing series on child abuse, is designed specifically for professionals involved in the investigation of child death, both intentional and unintentional. Readers in law enforcement, medicine, and other readers professionally involved in child death investigation will find this convenient resource essential to their work in the field. Over 600 full-color crime scene photos, reenactments, and photos taken in postmortem examinations and corresponding case studies written by expert investigators illustrate a variety of abusive and accidental causes of death, including neglect, burning, drowning, natural causes, and shaken baby syndrome. This text is a vital tool for any and all members of the child fatality review team, who will benefit both from its comprehensive content and from its convenient and accessible design.

Sexual abuse of children is an especially delicate matter, and each reported case should be treated with exacting care. Accurate identification and appropriate response to symptoms of sexual maltreatment in children is essential to resilient, long-term recovery for survivors. Therefore, it is incumbent upon those professionals who care for and represent the interests of survivors to recognize cases of childhood sexual abuse and to respond expediently, in the best interest of the survivors. This new pocket atlas, the second addition to an ongoing series on child abuse, will support medical practitioners and other affiliated sexual assault response providers in identifying and interpreting the physical signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in children. With nearly 400 full-color exam photos and corresponding case studies, as well as detailed refreshers on anogenital anatomy, exam equipment, and typical findings, readers in medicine, law enforcement, and social service will all benefit from this compact photographic reference and guide.

The development of fuzzy expert systems has provided new opportunities for problem solving amidst uncertainties. The medical field, in particular, has benefitted tremendously from advancing fuzzy system technologies. Fuzzy Expert Systems for Disease Diagnosis highlights the latest research and developments in fuzzy rule-based methods used in the detection of medical complications and illness. Offering emerging solutions and practical applications, this timely publication is designed for use by researchers, academicians, and students, as well as practitioners in the medical field.

Skin injuries are among the most common, and, certainly, the most visible, symptoms of physical abuse in children. In some cases, these injuries may leave lasting marks on the bodies of the abused3/4enduring tokens of the pain inflicted upon them. Because professionals working with children will, at times, encounter such injuries, it is vital they be able to recognize abusive burns, bruises, and other skin injuries in order to differentiate them from accidental injuries and to respond appropriately when encountered. This new pocket atlas, the first of an ongoing series on child maltreatment, includes 600 full-color photographs of skin injuries in children, with diagnostic case studies written by attending medical professionals. It is expertly designed by and for first responders, medical practitioners, and social service professionals who routinely work with children. Any readers who encounter, or may encounter, cases of child abuse in the course of their work will enjoy the benefit of a pocket-sized photographic reference to better inform and support the identification of abusive skin injuries in children.

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma, Volume 2: Medical Mimics provides in-depth guidelines for the diagnosis of childhood head injuries resembling abusive trauma. This concise pocket guide covers differential diagnoses that may be confused with abusive head trauma, including birth trauma, metabolic disorders, autoimmune conditions, oncologic mimics, and infectious diseases. The guide serves as a crucial reference for medical and legal investigations of possible cases of abusive head trauma to ensure that no possibility is ignored and that children receive appropriate care for their specific circumstance. In cases of abuse, this volume will serve as a guideline for ruling out alternative possibilities and commencing the trial and treatment of child abuse cases. This guide is supplemented by full-color, high-quality radiologic images and photos taken in physical examinations. These photos serve as an illustrative point of reference for investigators.

This book explores how PPPM, clinical practice, and basic research could be best served by information technology (IT). A use-case was developed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The subject was approached with four interrelated tasks: (1) review of clinical practices relating to HCC; (2) propose an IT system relating to HCC, including clinical decision support and research needs; (3) determine how a clinical liver cancer center can contribute; and, (4) examine the enhancements and impact that the first three tasks will have on the management of HCC. An IT System for Personalized Medicine (ITS-PM) for HCC will provide the means to identify and determine the relative value of the wide number of variables, including clinical assessment of the patient -- functional status, liver function, degree of cirrhosis, and comorbidities; tumor biology, at a molecular, genetic and anatomic level; tumor burden and individual patient response; medical and operative treatments and their outcomes.

Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Pocket Atlas, Volume 1: Traumatic Injuries offers complete guidelines for identifying and responding to pediatric abusive head trauma, all in a portable format. Written in mostly non-technical language and conveniently sized, this guide can easily be referenced at any point during the identification or response process. This complete overview of abusive head trauma includes comprehensive information on common presentation and possible outcomes of abusive head trauma. It also details the many different kinds of injuries that may result from abusive head trauma, including extracranial injuries and scalp trauma, intracranial injuries with and without associated bleeding, and fractures. This pocket guide is supplemented with more than 150 radiologic images, offering a perfect point of reference for identifying the various kinds of injuries one may face in investigating abusive head trauma. This atlas also provides readers with concrete analyses of a variety of traumatic head injuries in children. The comprehensive nature of Pediatric Head Trauma Pocket Atlas: Traumatic Injuries makes it an ideal resource for medical, social work, and law enforcement professionals in need of a quick, comprehensive field reference on abusive head trauma.