CRC Press Inc

Obtaining and interpreting images of the heart is critical to the successful management of any cardiac disorders. Several imaging modalities are used to help cardiologists correctly diagnose these disorders and initiate the most appropriate form of treatment. Since the first publication of this book, the use of cardiovascular CT imaging has increased exponentially. Revised and updated, Cardiac CT Made Easy: An Introduction to Cardiovascular Multidetector Computed Tomography, Second Edition* captures these advances in CT scanner technology and clinical experience. For the first time, this new edition includes online access to imaging video clips. Combining the expertise of leading cardiovascular imaging groups in North America, Europe, and Asia, this second edition continues to serve as a comprehensive introduction to the field. It focuses on the principles of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for cardiovascular applications, practical aspects of scan acquisition and interpretation, clinical indications and imaging protocols, and clinical findings of common cardiovascular disease conditions. The book is an essential resource for those new to the field and a trustworthy reference for those needing answers to specific questions or looking to update their knowledge. *Now includes an identical eBook version from VitalSource with access to video material

The interaction of immune function and nutrition underlies the low-grade chronic inflammation involved in the etiology of many common obesity-associated and age-related chronic disease conditions. This close interaction is the genesis of the term immunonutrition, which represents a new interdisciplinary field of nutritional and medical research. Immunonutrition: Interactions of Diet, Genetics, and Inflammation introduces the breadth of this field, which implicates nutrition in both immune function and in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of common diseases influenced by inflammation and immune imbalance, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and common forms of cancer. The book begins by reviewing the basic mechanisms of immunity and cellular mechanisms of cytokine activation. It discusses the effects of dietary fat intake and changes in Western diet and lifestyle linked to inflammation. It also describes the interaction of genetics and environment in the modulation of immune function and inflammation, and addresses exercise and skeletal muscle as an endocrine and immune organ. The book reviews the entire spectrum of inflammation and cancer from causation to its role in tumor therapy. It examines abdominal obesity and metabolic diseases, interactions between nutrition and autoimmunity in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and asthma. Considering potential nutrition-based treatments, the book explores approaches for reducing abdominal obesity, anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemicals, practical strategies for increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and anti-inflammatory properties of spice phytonutrients. In addition, it explores how uninformed food choices related to fats and oils create a balance of tissue-selective signals that produce harmful health outcomes and how to restore a healthy balance.

Enormous progress in asthma research has been made in the past 50 years, including a greater understanding of its complex pathogenesis and new and more effective therapies. Consequently, the scientific literature has grown vast and can be difficult to integrate. With contributions from a distinguished panel of world-renowned authors, Clinical Asthma: Theory and Practice presents a comprehensive study of both the common and the more challenging problems faced by all health care personnel who treat patients with asthma. The book is divided into seven sections, starting with the basics of asthma and ending with a discussion on the approach to asthma worldwide and in the primary care setting. Reflecting a strong clinical emphasis, each chapter begins with a patient case study supported by essential background information on the basic science and clinical decision-making process. This is followed by a discussion of clinical evaluation and management. The multidisciplinary coverage explores a range of topics including genetics, inflammation, immunology, and the identification of different endotypes. Using a bench-to-bedside approach, the book links basic science to the clinical management of asthma and explores options for improvement. The carefully selected authorship from experts worldwide presents a truly global outlook.

Developments in CT technology during the last 20 years have impressively improved its diagnostic potentialities. Part of a two-volume set that covers all aspects of CT imaging, Multi-Detector CT Imaging: Principles, Head, Neck, and Vascular Systems contains easily searchable clinical specialty chapters that provide specific information without need of an index. The coverage goes far beyond just a "how-to" or an encyclopedia of findings, however. The authors have uniformly put techniques, clinical findings, pathologic disease presentations, and clinical implications of imaging findings in practical perspective. This Volume Features: Discusses technical principles, CT perfusion, contrast media, postprocessing and clinical applications, and radiation dose Covers imaging of the neck and brain, including paranasal sinuses and the ear, brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, CNS infection, and head trauma Examines how to use CT data for planning cardiovascular procedures Includes coverage of pathologies of the pericardium and CT venography Presents information on clinical applications in lung disease With the critical role CT plays and the rapid innovations in computer technology, it is no wonder that advances in the capabilities and complexity of CT imaging continue to evolve. While information about these developments may be scattered about in journals and other resources, this two-volume set provides an authoritative, up-to-date, and educational reference that covets the entire spectrum of CT.

Gleaning information from more than 100 experts in the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy worldwide, Cancer Biomarkers: Non-Invasive Early Diagnosis and Prognosis determines the significance of clinical validation approaches for several markers. This book examines the use of noninvasive or minimally invasive molecular cancer markers that are under development or currently in use. It deals with a majority of commonly prevalent cancers and can help anyone working in the health-care industry to recommend or develop early diagnostics, at-risk tests, and prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. It explores the practice of determining biomarkers by their characteristics and relative methodologies, and presents the most recent data as well as a number of current and upcoming early diagnostic noninvasive molecular markers for many common cancers. It also considers the sensitivity and specificity of markers, biomarker market, test providers, and patent information. Approximately 30-35 Cancer Specific Noninvasive Molecular Diagnostic Markers in a Single Volume The book details the general and technical aspects of noninvasive cancer markers. It covers imaging, cutting-edge molecular technologies for biomarker development, and noninvasive or minimally invasive sources of molecular markers, as well as quality control and ethical issues in cancer biomarker discovery. It also provides a detailed account of brain, head and neck, and oral cancer markers, and provides information on a number of gastrointestinal cancers, lung cancer, and mesothelioma markers. Emphasizes the Importance of Volatile Markers in Early Cancer Diagnosis * Presents noninvasive early molecular markers in urological cancers * Describes gynecological and endocrine cancer markers * Details noninvasive markers of breast, ovarian, cervical, and thyroid cancers * Addresses hematological malignancies * Contains information on noninvasive molecular markers in myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma * Provides comprehensive information on diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma This text considers molecular technologies for biomarker development, noninvasive or minimally invasive sources of molecular markers, and quality control and ethical issues in cancer biomarker discovery.

Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is a worldwide, public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Rickets among infants has reemerged. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk and mortality from cancer. At the same time, the beneficial effects of vitamin D on a host of conditions have recently been discovered. Focusing on areas not extensively covered in other comparable books, Vitamin D: Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Aging highlights the most recent research findings on the impact of this nutrient in oxidative stress, immunity, and aging. A state-of-the-art compilation of essential information, this book explores: Vitamin D and its genomic and nongenomic effects, the role of therapeutic analogs in treating disease, and the production of vitamin D by the body The role vitamin D plays in modulating oxidative stress-with emphasis on cancer, stress-mediated diseases, photo-protection of the skin, and energy metabolism Beneficial effects of vitamin D in regulating the immune response and its importance in protecting against autoimmune, infectious, and inflammatory diseases The role vitamin D plays in the regulation of the aging process-including aspects of oxidative stress, senescence, and mortality, as well as its role in protection against cardiovascular disease and nervous system disorders This book represents an important contribution toward understanding the mechanisms by which vitamin D promotes health, increasing awareness of the importance that vitamin D plays during development, at birth, and throughout the aging process. It is a valuable reference for researchers in academia, nutrition, medicine, and industry.

Asian medicinal plants show great promise in pharmaceutical and cosmetological development. Researchers engaged in the discovery of new leads in these areas need robust conceptual tools and understanding of interrelated basics of botany, ethnobotany, biomolecular pharmacology, phytochemistry, and medicinal chemistry to guide their investigations. Medicinal Plants of China, Korea, and Japan: Bioresources for Tomorrow's Drugs and Cosmetics explores the fundamental science and demonstrates the compelling potential of these versatile plants, providing an essential resource to stimulate and guide focused inquiry. It is essential that researchers appreciate the chemotaxonomical statuses of these plants, so chapters are arranged according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group system of plant taxonomy. The book discusses the history, synonymy, habitat, description, traditional uses, and pharmacochemistry of each plant. Detailed photographs and hand-made botanical plates enable quick and reliable identification of each plant species. Critical analyses of peer-reviewed articles provide the basis for Bioresource sections in each chapter wherein readers are advised, engaged, and guided towards exciting pharmaceutical and cosmetological research proposals. Also included are indexes of botanical terms, pharmacological terms, natural products, and local names. Detailing 200 medicinal plant species carefully selected for their novelty and pharmacological and cosmetological importance, this volume provides a firm starting point for anyone looking forward to unlocking the potential of Asian medicinal plants. In addition, this invaluable book identifies numerous patentable leads.

The deregulation of dietary supplements and natural products marketing by the FDA has widened the natural products market in Europe and worldwide. Whilst the discussion about the validity of the plant approach to nutrition and diseases treatment continues, the explosion of the use of whatever is considered "natural" has generated concern about effectiveness and danger. Incorporating information ranging from regulatory aspects to clinical trial and vigilance, Herbal Medicines for Human Health: Development and Evaluation of Plant-Derived Medicines: Provides a reference model for those who would like to start the R&D process for a natural product Discusses fundamental issues in the development of traditional medicines for the benefit of human health Takes a sequential rational approach to the subject matter Brings awareness to the many problems facing the development of medicinal herbal products, such as quality control, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic issues This book takes readers on a rational path for development of efficacious medicinal herbal products. It points out the many problems facing the development of these products, such as quality control, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic issues. It suggests areas where future developments should occur given healthcare needs and public health considerations.