Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and related diseases called spondyloarthropathies (SpA) are the second most common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis after Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Unfortunately, most patients with AS and SpA are either never diagnosed, or they are inadequately treated. The current mean delay in the diagnosis of AS ranges from 5 to 10 years, and the presenting clinical manifestations of these diseases are wide-ranging and heterogeneous, and thus a variety of health care professionals see AS and SpA patients, from primary care physicians to rheumatologists and other medical and surgical specialists.
With the availability of newer, highly effective treatments and better methods of musculoskeletal imaging, such as the MRI, there is an urgent need to improve early diagnosis and reduce any inappropriate delay in obtaining effective treatment. Earlier diagnosis and treatment can mitigate the severity of the disease, and make a meaningful difference for patient care and quality of life. The proposed book is designed for specialists and generalists alike, and is intenteded to expedite accurate diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment in order to alleviate unnecessary suffering.
Part of the new Oxford American Rheumatology Library series, this pocket-sized book provides practical, evidence-based information for clinicians to aid diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for patients with AS and SpA. The book provides pointers to early diagnosis, prognosis, clinical manifestations, socioeconomic aspects, and disease management. It also provides comprehensive coverage of current treatment options, including the latest biologics, as well as non-drug therapies.

The agriculture sector in many developing countries in Asia, especially in Pakistan, is very important because agriculture is the most effective and only viable sector to generate economic growth and to feed 170 million populations. However, the agricultural extension services in Pakistan have not been very effective due to unavailability of agricultural information at proper time. This study was judged among socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and the different mass media utilized by the respondents. To accomplish this study simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 120 farmers. Questionnaires/interview schedules were administered to respondents for obtaining the required information. Percentages, frequencies, chi square and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results exposed that a simple majority 54.1 percent of the respondents gave 1st preference to TV, 25.0 percent gave 2nd preference to radio and 16.7 percent gave 3rd preference to print media in obtaining the agricultural. As effectiveness of mass media in dissemination of agricultural information, the respondents ranked TV as 1st, radio as 2nd, and print media as 3rd.

Focusing on the key essentials you need to know, Axial Spondyloarthritis provides a quick, expert overview of axSpA from a clinical perspective. This concise resource by Drs. Philip Mease and Muhammad Khan presents practical recommendations and guidelines for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of spondyloarthritis impacting the axial skeleton alongside an overview of epidemiology, special populations, and patient education. Discusses key information on genetic factors and disease biomarkers. Presents an overview of clinical features, classification criteria, and imaging to aid in diagnosis. Covers management and treatment guidelines, including non-pharmacologic management and the use of biologics. Consolidates essential information on this timely topic into a single, convenient resource.