Bøger udgivet af American Medical Publishers

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force. It can be categorized on the basis of severity, mechanism or other characteristics. Causes of brain injury can be violence, vehicle collisions and falls. Brain trauma is the result of abrupt acceleration or deceleration, or due to the combination of sudden impact and movement. Preventive measures can include use of helmets and seat belts, not drinking while driving, efforts for fall prevention in elders and undertaking safety measures in case of children. Treatment for a brain injury is dependent on its severity, which might be minimal or comprise interventions like medications and emergency surgical procedures. For rehabilitation, therapies can be employed such as recreation therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vision therapy. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the rehabilitation, treatment and management of traumatic brain injury. It will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in study of this medical condition.

Tinnitus is a disorder wherein a person experiences noises such as ringing, hissing, or clicking in one or both ears. This noise is not caused by an external sound. Tinnitus is quite common and generally observed in older adults. The noise experienced may be loud or quiet, continuous or intermittent, and some individuals are unaffected by it. However, other people become highly disturbed by it, especially when they are fatigued or stressed. Tinnitus is generally considered a symptom of underlying health conditions rather than a disorder. The common reasons that lead to this disorder are noise-induced hearing loss, ear infections, disease of the heart or blood vessels, Ménière's disease, brain tumors, inner ear tumors, emotional stress and traumatic brain injury. The degree of hearing loss controls the level of concentration that may result in anxiety and depression in some cases. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is beneficial in the treatment of tinnitus. This book traces the progress of research on tinnitus and highlights its clinical aspects. It unravels the recent studies related to tinnitus. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

The impairment in perceiving or processing auditory information is considered to be a hearing disorder. Tinnitus is a common hearing disorder. It involves perceiving sound even in the absence of corresponding external sound. Although it is normal to feel a faint sound in a completely quiet place, the problem arises when it interferes with normal hearing. The sound a person hears in tinnitus is described as ringing, clicking, buzzing, hissing, or roaring. It can be caused due to several factors including ear infections, disease of the heart or blood vessels, Ménière's disease, brain tumors, acoustic neuromas, and migraines. Tinnitus is generally diagnosed based on the person's description. An audiogram, as well as an otolaryngological and neurological examination can also be used to support the overall diagnosis. Medical imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may also be used if specific issues are discovered. This book explores all the important aspects of tinnitus in the present day scenario. For all those who are interested in the clinical and research perspectives on this medical condition, it can prove to be an essential guide.

Tinnitus is a hearing disorder which involves hearing noises that are actually not caused by sounds coming from the outside world. A number of underlying causes generated at any level of the auditory system may result in this disorder. Factors such as emotional stress, traumatic brain injury, excessive earwax, and exposure to loud noise can severely affect hearing. Tinnitus is categorized into three types which are named as subjective tinnitus, objective tinnitus, and pulsatile tinnitus. The disorder is typically subjective, which means that the noises a person hears are not identifiable by physicians or hearing technicians using current technology. In certain cases, tinnitus can be detected by an individual using a stethoscope. This condition is called objective tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus is described as experiencing sound that beats in time with the pulse. Tinnitus can be cured through talk therapy, sound therapy, or hearing aids. Through this book, the readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about tinnitus. A number of researches and case studies from all over the globe have been included herein on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. It is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts.

Thyroid diseases are those that affect the function of the thyroid gland. This gland is butterfly-shaped and is located towards the front of the neck. It produces hormones that flow into the bloodstream and play an essential role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, food movement through the digestive tract, brain development, etc. Thyroid disorders are divided into many categories, such as, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, structural abnormalities such as goiter and tumors. Tiredness, muscle cramps, constipation, weight loss, and slow heart rate are a few symptoms of hypothyroidism whereas hyperthyroidism is symptomatized by insomnia, fast heart rate, weight gain, anxiety, tremors, excess sweating, etc. This book unfolds the most recent researches related to thyroid diseases. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to these disorders have been included herein. This book will serve as a useful resource for experts as well as students.

Ticks are obligate ectoparasites which feed on the blood of their hosts. They cause physical damage to their hosts by injuring skin and sucking blood. Furthermore, majority of the species of tick have the capability to transmit pathogens to their hosts. They are often more active in warmer months and a change in the populations of their hosts affects tick populations. Tick-borne diseases are those diseases that afflict humans and animals, and are caused by infectious agents transmitted by tick bites. Various pathogens comprising rickettsia and other types of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are the primary causes of the infection resulting in diseases. There are various symptoms a person may feel after being bitten by a tick such as body aches, fever, fatigue, joint pain or rashes. This book provides comprehensive insights on ticks and tick-borne pathogens. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. Those with an interest in these pathogens would find this book helpful.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissue. Changes in breast shape, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin are signs of breast cancer. Risk factors associated with this type of cancer include obesity, a lack of physical activity, alcoholism, hormone replacement therapy during menopause and a family history of breast cancer. It usually develops in cells from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules, which supply milk to these ducts. A biopsy of the concerning tissue makes diagnosis possible for breast cancer. After diagnosis, treatment planning should be utilized for determining the suitable treatment options according to the personalized needs of the patients. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are the two medications that can be used to prevent breast cancer in people who are at a high risk of developing it. Another preventive measure is surgical removal of both breasts in patients with a high risk. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to breast cancer. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the therapy techniques and treatment planning for this disease.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of the neck. Thyroid cancer is a condition in which the cells grow abnormally and can spread to other parts of the body. Swelling or a bump in the thyroid part of the neck is a common symptom of this medical condition. Thyroid cancers are known to be linked to a variety of genetic and environmental variables. Radiation exposure as a child, an enlarged thyroid, and a family history are all risk factors for thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, and anaplastic thyroid cancer are the four primary types of thyroid cancer. Ultrasound and fine needle aspiration are used to diagnose this disease. Surgery, thyroid hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, alcohol ablation, targeted therapy, and palliative care are all possible treatment options. The topics covered in this book offer the readers new insights in the field of thyroid cancer research. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to this disease. For all readers who are interested in the research on thyroid cancer, the case studies included in this book will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.

Theoretical neuroscience refers to a subfield of neuroscience which makes use of brain abstractions, mathematical models and theoretical analysis. It provides a quantitative foundation to explain what nervous systems do, determines how they work and discovers the underlying general principles of their operation. Computational modelling and theoretical analysis are useful tools for describing what nervous systems do, figuring out how they work and understanding why they do so in a specific manner. Neuroscience includes a wide range of methods from molecular and cellular research as well as human, psychophysics and psychology. Theoretical neuroscience promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration through creating compact representations of what has been learned, bridging the gap among different levels of description and recognizing unifying concepts and principles. The basic function of computational modeling neuroscience is to understand the principles governing the development, structure, physiology and cognitive abilities of the nervous system. The goal of models in theoretical neuroscience is to capture the key characteristics of the biological system at multiple spatial-temporal scales. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of theoretical neuroscience. It aims to shed light on the computational and mathematical modeling of neural systems. The book is appropriate for those seeking detailed information in this area.

The term theranostics is derived from the combination of two words, namely, therapeutics and diagnostics. It is a practical aspect of personalized medicine. It involves using a combination of one radioactive drug to identify (diagnose) and a second radioactive drug to provide therapy in order to treat a tumor. Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, develops due to the formation of malignant cancer cells in the lining of the stomach. The factors such as age, diet, and stomach diseases result in the development of gastric cancer. Some of the common symptoms of this cancer include unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, etc. It can be diagnosed with the help of imaging tests such as CT or CAT scans, PET scans, MRI, or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Theranostics includes molecular targeting and nanotechnologies which are increasingly finding many applications in the treatment of gastric cancer. In this book, the various advancements in the field of theranostics as well as their application for the treatment of gastric cancer have been looked at in detail. For all readers who are interested in this area of study, the case studies included herein will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is responsible for the movement of ions, molecules, and cells between the blood and the CNS. This barrier is essential for providing the right environment for healthy neuronal function and also for protecting the CNS from injury and disease. The BBB is made up of three biological components of the brain microvasculature: brain endothelial cells (BECs), astrocyte end-feet, and pericytes (PCs). BECs are essential components of the BBB, responsible for protecting the brain from pathogens while also limiting the flow of circulatory factors. Astrocytes, which are five times the number of neurons in the CNS, provide simple structural and nutritional support for neurons and also contribute to the composition of the BBB. Pericytes play an essential role in angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, vascular tone, and BBB development. Several neurologic diseases such as stroke and neuroinflammatory disorders are affected by the BBB dysfunction. This book presents researches and studies performed by internationally acclaimed experts on the role of blood-brain barrier. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.

Ultrasound refers to high frequency sound waves which are higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. These sound waves are used in a variety of fields, such as diagnostic imaging, ultrasonic devices and non-destructive testing of structures and products. In clinical use, ultrasound is used to capture live images of internal structures of the body. The point of care ultra sound is the use of ultrasound in an emergency situation, for making decisions regarding immediate patient care. It is used to diagnose medical conditions and injuries, where diagnostic methods that are utilized conventionally would consume more time and increase the risk to the health of the patient. The point of care ultrasound is also helpful in monitoring the patient's response to the therapeutic interventions. This book provides significant information of point of care ultrasound to help develop a good understanding of this diagnostic method. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of medical imaging.

Rheumatology is a field of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These diseases are usually autoimmune or inflammatory disorders associated with arthritis, dermatomyositis, gout, lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, mixed connective tissue disease, polychondritis, polymyositis, and vasculitis. Rheumatology focuses on diseases and conditions that affect joints, soft tissues, or connective tissues. Disorders of bones such as fluorosis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy, and rickets are also treated by rheumatologists. Treatment of rheumatic conditions may involve the use of one or more methods such as administering drugs, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery, depending on the specifics of the case. Commonly prescribed drugs include anti-inflammatory medications, opioids and antidepressants. This textbook provides comprehensive insights into the basic concepts as well as recent developments in field of rheumatology. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Rheumatology is a field of internal medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. These diseases are usually autoimmune or inflammatory disorders associated with arthritis, dermatomyositis, gout, lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease, mixed connective tissue disease, polychondritis, polymyositis, and vasculitis. Rheumatology focuses on diseases and conditions that affect joints, soft tissues, or connective tissues. Disorders of bones such as fluorosis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal osteodystrophy, and rickets are also treated by rheumatologists. Treatment of rheumatic conditions may involve the use of one or more methods such as administering drugs, physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and surgery, depending on the specifics of the case. Commonly prescribed drugs include anti-inflammatory medications, opioids and antidepressants. This textbook provides comprehensive insights into the basic concepts as well as recent developments in field of rheumatology. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei, of varied origin, in the brains of vertebrates. These are located at the base of the forebrain and top of the midbrain. The cerebral cortex, thalamus, and brainstem, as well as numerous other brain areas are all closely linked to the basal ganglia. Various functions are related with basal ganglia, such as the control of voluntary motor movements, procedural learning, habit learning, conditional learning, eye movements, cognition and emotion. The basal ganglia play a critical role in brain function and behavior. Their dysfunction causes a wide range of neurological conditions including disorders of behavior control and movement, as well as cognitive deficits which are similar to those caused by prefrontal cortex injury. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on basal ganglia and related motor and cognitive functions. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being with the absence of disease and infirmity. It can be improved by encouraging healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, appropriate sleep, as well as reducing or avoiding unhealthy behaviors or situations, such as smoking or excessive stress. Public health is a field of study, research and practice that focuses on improving health and establishing health equity for all people around the world. There has been significant development in business processes and products and in scientific and technological fields. In order to meet the health requirements of public, it is important to adapt various technological innovations in the field on global public health. This book explores all the important aspects of technology and global public health in the present day scenario. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study.

Mental illness or mental health disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions that affect the mood, thinking, and behavior. There are several types of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. Mental illnesses can be caused by a variety of environmental and genetic factors such as inherited traits, brain chemistry, and environmental exposure to stressors and toxins before birth. Some common signs and symptoms of mental disorders are feeling sad, confused thinking, lower concentration, excessive fears or worries, extreme feelings of guilt, extreme mood changes of highs and lows, withdrawal from friends and activities, etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders through medical history, lab tests, and psychological evaluation. The treatment of mental disorders varies according to the type of disorder. Some of the commonly used classes of prescription psychiatric medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety disorders, and mood-stabilizing medications. Lately, technological advancements such as AI-assisted therapy, virtual reality, digital pills, and digital symptom tracking are being increasingly used in the treatment of mental disorders. This book is a comprehensive guide to improving mental health. It aims to shed light on the relationship between mental disorders and technology. This book is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.

The scientific, clinical, and surgical aspects related to the study of urine and the genitourinary tract in health and disease is called urology. It involves the management of urinary tract systems and reproductive organs. There are several surgical procedures in urology including cystoscopy, orchiopexy, penile plication, hysterectomy, vasectomy, male circumcision, and penile implants and prosthesis. It also includes surgical procedures to diagnose and treat the conditions of the prostate. Some of the common prostate procedures are transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and transurethral needle ablation (TUNA). TURP is a surgical procedure that uses minimally invasive technique for treating enlarged prostate. A surgical procedure called penile plication is conducted for treating penis curvature caused by Peyronie's disease. This book provides significant information of this discipline to help develop a good understanding of the surgical procedures used in urology. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The extensive content of this book provides the students and professionals of urology with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Systems medicine refers to the study of the human body by incorporating environmental, physiological and biochemical interactions. It evaluates disease by the integration of large volumes of patient datasets, while offering the scope for personalizing healthcare strategies by developing a novel classification of disease. The redefinition of disease is done on the basis of mechanisms in place of analyzing the symptoms, which provide therapeutic targets, involving network pharmacology and drug repurposing. Network pharmacology is an interdisciplinary science based on pharmacology, network biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, computational science, and other related scientific disciplines. The usage of network-based insight allows network pharmacology to systematically reflect and uncover the biological foundation of complex diseases and medication. It uses a systems approach to generate significant insights for drug development and has the capability to serve as a foundation for developing drugs for complicated diseases. This book discusses the fundamentals as well as modern approaches of systems medicine and network-based pharmacology. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being with the absence of disease and infirmity. It can be improved by encouraging healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, appropriate sleep, as well as reducing or avoiding unhealthy behaviors or situations, such as smoking or excessive stress. Public health is a field of study, research and practice that focuses on improving health and establishing health equity for all people around the world. There has been significant development in business processes and products and in scientific and technological fields. In order to meet the health requirements of public, it is important to adapt various technological innovations in the field on global public health. This book explores all the important aspects of technology and global public health in the present day scenario. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study.

Suicide is referred to as the deliberate act of causing one's own death. There are several risk factors associated with suicide, such as nihilistic beliefs, substance use disorders, physical disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental disorders like depression, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Suicides are impulsive acts driven by stress from financial crisis or academic difficulties, relationship problems like breakups, divorces, harassment and bullying. Various preventive measures can be adopted to decrease suicide attempts, including improving economic conditions, treating mental illness and substance misuse, restricting access to suicide methods like poisons, drugs and firearms, and careful media reporting about suicide. Its assessment involves predicting the chance of a person attempting suicide. The purpose of risk assessment is to study the conditions of an individual in relation to suicide, along with protective factors, warning signs and risk factors. This book contains some path-breaking studies the assessment and treatment of suicide. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) is a type of surgery that is performed with the guidance of fluorescence imaging. It has emerged as a new approach to detect the primary tumor, tumor margins, and metastatic lymph nodes. A major cause of tumor recurrence is the presence of residual tumor cells after surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to have a negative tumor margin to ensure a successful cancer resection. Despite widespread use of preoperative imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan, the surgical margin positive rate failed to reflect remarkable improvement. The plausible reason for this failure is the reliance of surgeons on the visual inspection and intraoperative histopathological analysis of the frozen tissue specimen. FGS is now emerging as an effective tool to guide the surgical oncologists by generating real time fluorescence images of the surgical region. It reduces the possibility of recurrence of cancer. This book strives to provide a fair idea about the fluorescence-guided surgery and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances related to this medical procedure. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying fluorescence-guided surgery as it gives incredible insights into the emerging trends and concepts.

A steroid is an organic molecule having four rings organized in a specific molecular configuration that is biologically active. Steroids serve two principal biological functions. First, they are important components of cell membranes that affect membrane fluidity. Second, they act as signaling molecules. Animals, plants, and fungi all contain hundreds of steroids. Steroid hormones influence metabolism and the biological processes. These hormones affect endocrine functions such as sexual differentiation and reproductive life. The pharmaceutical industry has used steroids for making anticancer, anti-inflammatories, anticonvulsants, contraceptives, and fertility drugs. Steroid dimers are a class of chemicals that are produced by a variety of marine creatures and can also be manufactured in laboratories. This class of compounds has a wide range of pharmacological and biological properties, and can be utilized to make molecular umbrellas for drug delivery. This book explores all the important aspects of steroids in the present-day scenario. It is a valuable compilation of topics, encompassing their chemistry as well as applications in drug design and delivery. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying steroids.

Steroids refer to biologically active organic compounds which generally have seventeen carbon atoms that are bonded in four fused rings. They are found in animals, plants and fungi. Steroids are components of cell membranes and also function as signaling molecules. On the basis of function, they can be classified into various types, such as neurosteroids, corticosteroids and sex steroids. Neurosteroids are steroids which interact with cell surface receptors and ligand-gated ion channels to alter neuronal excitability. Corticosteroids are a group of steroids which are produced by the adrenal cortex and are involved in a range of physiological processes such as carbohydrate metabolism, regulation of inflammation, protein catabolism, immune response and stress response. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to steroids and their relevance in brain functions. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this area of study have been included herein. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.

Anxiety refers to an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner conflict and subjectively unpleasant emotions of dread over anticipated events. Nervous behavior, such as pacing back and forth, somatic complaints, and rumination accompanies anxiety. It is a feeling of uneasiness and worry, generally unfocused and generalized as an overreaction to a circumstance that is subjectively alarming. A mental state characterized by a poor mood and aversion to activity is referred to as depression. Anhedonia is the key symptom of depression. It refers to a loss of interest or decreased feeling of pleasure in certain activities that normally bring happiness to the individuals. Stress is an organism's reaction to a stressor, such as an environmental situation, which can be physiological, biological, or psychological. It is the body's response to a situation that includes a threat, a challenge, or a physical or psychological barrier. This book explores all the important aspects of stress, anxiety and depression in the present day scenario. It will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.

Stem cell therapy represents the use of stem cells for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The researches in the field of stem cells can aid in an increased understanding of disease mechanisms. It can be used to produce healthy tissues to replace the diseased ones. Stem cell therapy holds immense opportunity for the management of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. A patient suffering from type 1 diabetes has an impaired function of insulin-producing beta cells that are present in the pancreas. In laboratory experiments, scientists have been able to coax embryonic stem cells into beta cells. The successful transplantation of beta cells can provide a substitute for damaged cells in a diabetic patient. This book explores the potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of diabetes. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of study. This book aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike.

A biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration is termed as a steroid. Steroid hormones are essential for cell life and they affect the neuroendocrine and behavioral functions in humans. Steroids perform two main biological functions. The first function is that they form an essential part of cell membranes which alters the membrane fluidity. The second function is signal transduction or cell signaling that facilitates cellular response. During early development, steroids regulate the activity and plasticity of neurons and the glial cells. They continue to exert trophic and protective effects on the adult nervous system. Steroids are synthesized by the gonads and adrenal glands, and are transmitted to the brain, spinal cord and the peripheral nerves through the bloodstream. Neurosteroids such as pregnenolone, progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone and sulfate esters are produced within the nervous system. This book unravels the recent studies related to the importance of steroids in the nervous system. The topics covered herein are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to the readers. Through this book, we attempt to further enlighten the readers about the new concepts in this field of study.

Sports nutrition refers to the study and application of diet and nutrition to enhance athletic performance. Nutrition plays a significant role in many sports training regimens, particularly in endurance sports and strength sports. The study of sports nutrition focuses on the type and amount of food and fluids consumed by athletes. It also addresses the consumption of nutrients like supplements, vitamins, minerals and organic substances like fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The supplements such as protein and amino acid are frequently used by athletes to recover from exercise. The consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits is the most efficient way to receive the natural nutrients required by the body for physiological performance and maximum health. The factors that can influence an athlete's nutritional requirements include gender, height, type of activity, body mass index, time of day, weight and stage of the activity or workout. This book provides comprehensive insights on sports nutrition. It covers the role of sports nutrition in training, recovery and performance. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.

Spatial hearing refers to an innate human ability, which enables the people to determine the direction of a sound source. In normal conditions, people can engage in spatial hearing effortlessly. People experience spatial hearing loss when they are unable to use spatial cues for determining the origin of sound in space. Auditory perception is the ability to receive and interpret information that reaches the ears. It is a multi-step process that includes detection, discrimination, identification, recognition and comprehension of the sound. There is a complex relation between age and the perception of sound source location. With the progression of age, hearing loss advances. This book includes some of the vital pieces of works being conducted across the world, on various topics related to spatial hearing and auditory perception. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.

A spermatozoon or spermatozoa (plural) refers to a motile sperm cell which is the male gamete. It is also called sperm cell. Sperm differentiation is a complicated series of morphological changes that occur in the seminiferous epithelium. Throughout this process, haploid round spermatids undergo significant structural and functional changes that result in highly polarized sperm. Development of new organelles, chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping, removal of residual cytoplasm, and assembly of the sperm flagella are significant changes that take place during the differentiation process. These events need the presence of a cytoskeleton, microtubules, actin filaments, and related motor and non-motor proteins, all of which deliver the vesicular and non-vesicular cargos to the proper intracellular locations. Spermatids have distinct protein trafficking systems that coordinate together to produce these changes. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of sperm differentiation mechanisms. It is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in this area of study. For all those who are interested in clinical reproductive medicine, this book can prove to be an essential guide.