Bøger udgivet af Foster Academics

Cardiology is the branch of medicine, which studies the functioning of the heart and the circulatory system and any disruption in their normal functioning. The prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disorders such as hypertension, cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease and congenital heart defects are within the scope of this field. Various diagnostic tests are used for identifying the heart conditions relative to a healthy and an unhealthy heart function. Electrocardiogram, event monitor, Holter monitor, electrophysiology study and cardiac stress testing are used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart, detect rhythm abnormalities and assess cardiac function. Various techniques are used for cardiac imaging such as coronary catheterization, intravascular ultrasound, echocardiogram, among others. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of cardiology. From theories to research, case studies related to all clinical topics of relevance to this field have been included herein. This book on cardiology is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts.

Endocarditis is a medical condition characterized by an inflammation of the endocardium of the heart. The inflammation occurs in the heart valves and may extend to the chordae tendineae, interventricular septum, the surfaces of intracardiac devices or the mural endocardium. Vegetations comprising of a mass of fibrin, platelets or microcolonies of scant inflammatory cells or microorganisms may occur in endocarditis. Subacute form of infective endocarditis includes a center of granulomatous tissue. Endocarditis can be infective or non-infective based on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures and echocardiogram can aid in the diagnosis. Some common symptoms of this disease are fever, sweating or chills, weakness, anorexia, cardiac murmur, Janeway's lesions, etc. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to endocarditis. It provides significant information of this discipline to help develop a good understanding of the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of endocarditis. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in the field of cardiology.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) is the medical diagnostic imaging technology used for the non-invasive assessment of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. Standard MRI sequences are customized for cardiac imaging with the utilization of high temporal resolution protocols and ECG gating. CMRI is a complementary technique to other techniques, such as cardiac CT, echocardiography and nuclear medicine. A common major birth defect is congenital heart defect. CMRI provides the essential insight into the nature of the defect without the use of harmful X-rays. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to this field. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern techniques and applications of the subject.

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are the conditions of the cardiovascular system. Some CVDs involve only the blood vessels, such as peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, etc. Many other CVDs involve the heart like hypertensive heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysrhythmias, etc. This may include stroke, hypertensive heart disease, heart failure, carditis, etc. Age, smoking, diabetes, sex, blood lipids and blood pressure are important predictors of cardiovascular diseases. Any existing cardiovascular condition or a past cardiovascular event like a stroke or a heart attack can imply a future cardiovascular event. ECGs, echocardiography, cardiac stress testing and myocardial perfusion imaging are common assessment techniques of cardiovascular disorders. Blood pressure medications, statins and anti-diabetic medications are some medications, which significantly reduce the risk of CVDs in people. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the assessment and treatment of cardiovascular disorders. It presents the complex subject of CVD in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.

An aortic aneurysm is the dilation of the aorta to more than 1.5 times its normal size. It causes no symptoms except when it ruptures. Sometimes, it may result in leg, back or abdominal pain. Aortic rupture results in massive internal bleeding, which unless treated immediately, is fatal. Aortic aneurysms are of three types, classified on the basis of their location on the aorta - aortic root aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Aneurysms can be detected through physical examination. Medical imaging is required for confirming the diagnosis and determining the anatomic extent of the aneurysm. It can occur as a result of trauma or infection or an abnormality in the collagen and elastin components of the aortic wall. Open or endovascular surgery is the recommended treatment for an aortic aneurysm. For smaller aneurysms, blood pressure control, use of beta blockers and statins may be recommended. This book provides significant information on aortic aneurysms to help develop a good understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of this medical condition. Those with an interest in cardiology would find this book helpful.

Atrial fibrillation is the abnormal rhythm of the heart, which is characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. It often begins as brief periods of abnormal beating, and gets longer and fairly constant over time. It is associated with an increased risk of dementia, stroke and heart failure. Although symptoms are generally absent, occasionally there may be cases of lightheadedness, chest pain, heart palpitations and shortness of breath. Atrial fibrillation can be diagnosed by an investigation of the complete patient profile, including medical history and physical examination, transthoracic echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, serum thyroid stimulating hormone level, etc. It can be treated with medications that work to slow down the heart rate to acceptable rates or convert the heart rhythm to a normal sinus rhythm. Electrical cardioversion, ablation and anti-clotting medications like direct oral anticoagulants and warfarin may be recommended. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of atrial fibrillation. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on atrial fibrillation and clinical cardiology. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying cardiology as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.

Vascular medicine, also known as angiology, is a medical specialty that is concerned with the diseases of the lymphatic system and the circulatory system, which includes arterial diseases, venous diseases and lymphatic diseases, among others. This field encompasses the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of such diseases. Cardiovascular risk factors such as elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and others are also studied in angiology. A vascular medicine specialist is known as an angiologist. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of vascular medicine and the recent researches in this field. The various advancements in vascular medicine are glanced at herein and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

Gerontology refers to the study of the biological, psychological, cognitive and sociocultural aspects of aging. An important sub-field of gerontology is biogerontology, which is concerned with the biological process of aging, its evolutionary origin and the possible potential interventions in the process. It investigates the causes, effects and mechanisms of aging. Geriatrics is a field of medicine, which is focused on the health care for the elderly. As an individual ages, there is a gradual decline in the physiological reserve in organs. This results in the development of diseases and complications. Instability, immobility, impaired intellect and memory, and incontinence are the major impairments that occur in the elderly. Many of these problems can be addressed with medications and adequate care. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the fields of gerontology and geriatrics. From theories to research, case studies related to all medical aspects of relevance to these fields have been included herein. It will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.

Hypertension is a persistent medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure. It affects 16-37% of the world population. Excessive salt in the diet, alcohol consumption, smoking and excess body weight are factors that may lead to hypertension. Chronic kidney disease, endocrine disorder, narrowing of the kidney arteries or the disproportionate use of birth control pills may also trigger hypertension. One of the first treatment strategies for the management of hypertension is the integration of the right lifestyle changes with the correct medication course. Lifestyle changes may include weight loss, appropriate dietary modifications and regular exercise. A low sodium diet, DASH diet, green tea consumption and vegetarian diets are known to reduce blood pressure. Aerobic exercise, isometric resistance exercise, device-guided breathing and resistance exercise are considered effective physical exercise regimens. First-line medications, which are generally recommended for the management of hypertension, are calcium channel blockers, thiazide-diuretics, angiotensin receptor blockers, etc. This book explores all the important aspects of hypertension in the present day scenario. It provides significant information of this condition to help develop a good understanding of the treatment and management of hypertension. This book is appropriate for students seeking information in this area as well as for experts.

Audiology is the science that is concerned with the study of hearing, balance and related disorders. The diagnosis of disorders involves various testing strategies to determine the degree of the loss of hearing, the area affected and the location of the lesion. Testing strategies include otoacoustic emission measurements, hearing tests, videonystagmography and electrophysiologic tests. Cochlear implants, hearing aids, etc. can be recommended depending on the degree of the impairment. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of audiology. Such selected concepts that redefine this field have been presented herein. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

Quality of life, independence and continued functional abilities are of a major concern to older adults. A geriatrician is responsible for the assessment of the clinical condition and for the recommendation of the medical intervention to manage the condition. A geriatrician can recommend good elderly care options, home care services, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospice as required. Frail elderly patients may opt out of certain medical care owing to disadvantageous risk-benefit ratio. Exhaustion, low physical activity, weight loss and slow walking speed are factors determining frailty in adults. In older patients assessment and a prediction of the recovery trajectory before a surgical procedure is vital. Good care of an elderly person is vital for leading a comfortable life. Mental stimulation through customized activities, daily exercise, nutritional support and sleep enhancement are effective strategies to promote better health in older adults. This book elucidates the assessment and intervention practices in geriatrics and elderly care in a multidisciplinary manner. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying geriatrics as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.

Drugs are usually derived from natural sources, such as plant-derived natural products, microbial metabolites, marine invertebrate derived compounds, etc. Drug discovery is an interdisciplinary field of medicine, pharmacology and biotechnology, which is concerned with the process of discovery of potential new medications. Modern drug discovery is a complex process, which involves a number of technical procedures such as identification of screening hits and their optimization to increase the selectivity, potency, affinity, metabolic stability and oral bioavailability of the hits. When a compound fulfills all of these requirements, it proceeds towards drug development and clinical trials. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to drug discovery. It provides significant information of this domain to help develop a good understanding of drug discovery and related fields. With state-of-the-art inputs by acclaimed experts of this field, this book targets students and professionals.

Nursing is a profession in the domain of health care that deals with the provision of care and assistance to individuals, families or groups for the attainment of a good quality of life and optimal health. It involves the development of a plan of care for the treatment of illness, depending on an assessment and diagnosis of needs, outcomes and interventions and an evaluation of the outcomes of care. It can extend to assistance in activities of daily living, administering medicines and effective patient education. This book provides comprehensive insights into the vocation of nursing, its skills and practices. Such selected concepts that redefine this field have been presented herein. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge.

Clinical toxicology is a subspecialty of medicine. It studies the toxicology of drugs and provides diagnosis and treatments as well as prevention techniques to counter poisoning and adverse effects of medications, toxicants and biological agents. Clinical toxicology studies also deal with adverse drug reactions, acute or chronic poisoning, drug overdoses, substance abuse, etc. It is practiced by physicians as well as other health professionals, non-physicians and pharmacists. Clinical toxicology has varied applications, such as evaluating the health impacts from exposure to toxic substances, contributing to pharmaceutical research and drug safety, handling the aftermath of critical events of bioterrorism, chemical warfare and biological warfare. It is also significant in analyzing and interpreting diagnostic tests and forensic studies in clinical and forensic laboratories. This book presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. It elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to this field. This book, with its detailed analyses and data, will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this area at various levels.

Nursing is concerned with the provision of care to maintain a quality of life for individuals, families or communities. It is extended to individuals across all ages and cultural backgrounds in a manner that takes into consideration the patient's physical, psychological, intellectual, social and emotional needs. Evidence-based nursing refers to the provision of nursing care that is based on an integration of personal clinical expertise and current research. This approach is founded on evidence-based practice. It strives to improve the health and safety of patients in a cost-effective manner. Evidence-based practice is based on the principles of cultivating a spirit of inquiry, asking clinical questions, collecting evidence, appraising the evidence, integrating the evidence, evaluating outcomes and disseminating outcomes. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core aspects of nursing and healthcare. It aims to present the researches that have transformed this discipline and aided its advancement. In this book, using case studies and examples, constant effort has been made to make the understanding of this field as easy and informative as possible for the readers.

Orthopedics is a branch of surgery that develops surgical interventions for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The treatment of musculoskeletal trauma, degenerative diseases, tumors, spine diseases, etc. is dealt within orthopedics. Knee and shoulder arthroscopy, laminectomy, lumbar spinal fusion, hip replacement, etc. are some of the common surgical procedures. Orthopedic physical therapy is a vital procedure involved in the diagnosis, management and treatment of orthopedic disorders and injuries. It is also concerned with rehabilitation for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery or trauma like strains, sprains, etc. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of orthopedics. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies are examined in detail. In this book, using case studies and examples, constant effort has been made to make the understanding of the difficult concepts of orthopedics as easy and informative as possible, for the readers.

Orthopedic surgical procedures are used for treating musculoskeletal trauma, injuries, degenerative diseases and tumors. Arthroscopy and arthroplasty are the principal surgical procedures in this field. Arthroplasty is a procedure in orthopedic surgery, which involves the replacement, realignment or remodeling of the articular surface of a musculoskeletal joint. It is done to relieve pain due to arthritis and restore function to the joint. Joint replacement, interpositional arthroplasty, silicone replacement arthroplasty, etc. are some of the different types of arthroplasty. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is done on a joint. It is done by inserting an arthroscope into the joint through a small incision. It is a great alternative to traditional surgery as it reduces recovery time and trauma. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different types of orthopedic surgical procedures and their clinical advances. It presents the complex subject of orthopedic surgery in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. It will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in this field.

Primary healthcare is defined as the essential healthcare, which allows the facilitation of universal healthcare for all individuals and families in a community. It is one of the primary objectives of the World Health Organization's goal of Health for all. The five considerations that are central to the achievement of this goal are reducing social disparities in health, service delivery reforms to meet people's needs, public policy reforms, leadership reforms and increasing stakeholder participation. The approach to primary healthcare also strives to account for disparities in resources and local priority health problems. In developing countries, diseases responsible for high rates of infant and child mortality are targeted. Oral rehydration therapy, immunization, family planning, female education and food supplementation are certain key issues under the broad framework of primary healthcare. The topics included in this book on primary healthcare are of the utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied branches that fall under this category. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

Pharmacoepidemiology is concerned with the study of the uses of drugs and their effects in specific populations. It builds on the principles of pharmacology and epidemiology. Drug safety is a significant area of pharmacoepidemiology. It studies the adverse effects of drugs. It is concerned with the assessment, detection, monitoring and prevention of adverse drug reactions. Overdose, misuse and abuse of drugs as well as drug exposure during critical stages of human life such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, are also studied in this field. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of drug safety and pharmacoepidemiology. It strives to provide a fair idea about these disciplines and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within these fields. Students, researchers, experts, pharmacologists and all associated with these fields will benefit alike from this book.

Anesthesia is a state of temporarily induced loss of awareness or sensation to achieve three primary goals of hypnosis, analgesia and muscle relaxation. There are varied drugs used for anesthesia such as general anesthetics, analgesics, neuromuscular-blocking drugs, etc. These drugs affect interconnected parts of the nervous system. An important stage of anesthesia is risk assessment, which is crucial for reducing anesthetic risks. It is a pre-operative procedure that covers the medical history, physical examination and lab tests, and obtains information about any medical conditions or genetic disorders that might afflict the patient. The various advancements in clinical anesthesia are glanced at in this book and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. It includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into the study of anesthesia. Researchers and students in this field will be assisted by this book.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of any three conditions, among central obesity, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, low serum high-density lipoprotein and high triglycerides levels. There exists a strong association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of development of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Accumulation of fat around the stomach and abdomen is the primary symptom of metabolic syndrome. Its common causes include stress, physical inactivity, aging, diabetes, coronary artery disease and lipodystrophic disorders. Physical exercise and healthy diet are useful in preventing it. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of metabolic syndrome. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. The book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a type of autoimmune disease. It is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues and body parts. The symptoms range from mild to severe. Fever, tiredness, painful and swollen joints, red rash on the face, mouth ulcers and swollen lymph nodes are some common symptoms. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to be its causes. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing, anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) and lupus band test are used for diagnosing it. Treatment methods include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs). This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of systemic lupus erythematosus. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which interested readers can take up. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of this disease.

Acupuncture is an important type of alternative medicine, involving the insertion of thin needles into the body. It is of utmost significance in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is most commonly used for the purpose of relieving pain. It is often used as a complementary medicine, i.e., with other forms of treatment. The benefits of acupuncture are short-lived. It is primarily used to treat cases of musculoskeletal problems, including knee pain, lower back pain and shoulder stiffness. Some of the common therapeutic procedures associated with it include cupping therapy, electroacupuncture, moxibustion and fire needle acupuncture. This book traces the progress of acupuncture and highlights some of its key concepts and applications. This book is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date.

The study of retroviruses is known as retrovirology. Retroviruses are those types of RNA viruses, which insert a copy of their genome into the DNA of the cells of the organism that they invade. Such insertion changes the genome of the host cell. Those viruses are generally classified as single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. Once they enter the cytoplasm of the host cell, the viruses use their own reverse transcriptase enzyme to produce DNA from their RNA genomes. The virions of a retrovirus constitute of enveloped particles, which are 100 nm in diameter. The main virion components include envelope, RNA and proteins. The study of retrovirus has applications in clinical gene therapy for the long-term correction of genetic defects, such as in stem and progenitor cells. Gammaretroviral and lentiviral vectors are used for gene therapy as they mediate stable genetic modification of treated cells. These have been used in many clinical trials as treatment options for various diseases. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of retrovirology. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards evolution of this discipline are examined in detail. This book includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into this field.

The branch of science concerned with the evolution, structure, mapping, function and editing of genomes is known as genomics. The complete set of DNA of an organism, including all its genes is called a genome. Human genome refers to the set of nucleic acid sequences for humans, encoded as DNA, in a small DNA molecule found within individual mitochondria and 23 chromosome pairs in the cell nuclei. The human genome may be separated into the mitochondrial genome and the nuclear genome. Human genome includes both noncoding DNA and protein-coding DNA genes. The topics included in this book on human genomics are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It provides significant information of this discipline to help develop a good understanding of human genomics and related fields. Scientists, researchers and students actively engaged in this field will find this book full of crucial and unexplored concepts.

The process of inventing and finding new medications on the basis of the knowledge of a biological target is called drug design. The chemical substances which activate or inhibit the functions of a biomolecule, and consequently result in therapeutic benefits to the patients are called drugs. They are usually obtained through extraction from several medicinal plants or by organic synthesis. Drug design is a process involving the design of such molecules which are similar in the shape and charge to the biomolecular target with which they interact, in order to bind to it. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of drug design and analysis. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on drug design and analysis have been included in it. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

Pharmaceutics is a branch of pharmaceutical science. It is concerned with the process of converting old drugs or a new chemical entity into a new medication which can be used safely by the patients. It is also known as the science of dosage form design, as it deals with the conversion of a pure drug substance into a dosage form. Pharmaceutical formulation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, physical pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, pharmaceutical technology and pharmaceutical jurisprudence are some of the branches of pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutical formulation is a process in which several chemical substances, including the active drug, are combined together for producing a final medicinal product. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to pharmaceutics. It studies, analyzes and upholds the pillars of pharmaceutics and its utmost significance in modern times. This book will prove to be immensely beneficial to students and researchers in this field.

Antibiotic refers to the antimicrobial substance which is active against bacteria. It plays a crucial role in fighting bacterial infections. It is used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Some antibiotics also possess the qualities of an antiprotozoal agent. Antibiotics are used in definitive therapy and empiric therapy. The interaction between some antibiotics such as tinidazole, latamoxef, furazolidone and metronidazole, with alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, and may cause a few side-effects. The topics included in this book on antibiotics are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of antibiotics. This book, with its detailed analyses and data will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this area at various levels.

A biological marker or biomarker is a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition. Biomarkers are evaluated to investigate pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention or to examine biological and pathogenic processes. In medicine, a biomarker may be used to examine organ function or other health aspects. They can be prognostic or predictive. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a common biomarker that is used in medicine. Biomarkers are used in the molecular diagnosis of colon, breast and lung cancer, melanoma and chronic myeloid leukemia. Effective and robust biomarkers can be instrumental in improving diagnosis of diseases, monitoring drug activity and guiding the development of targeted therapies for varied chronic conditions. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about biomarkers. It aims to present researches that have advanced the understanding of biomarkers and their role in drug discovery and disease diagnosis. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about biological markers.

Any substance which causes a temporary physiological or psychological change in the body on being consumed, inhaled, smoked or absorbed is called a drug. Pharmaceutical drugs are the chemical substances which are used to prevent, diagnose, cure or treat diseases or to promote well-being. They can be used for limited period or on regular basis according to the diseases. They are produced from medicinal plants or by organic synthesis. The domain of pharmaceutical science is concerned with the design, delivery, disposition and action of such drugs. The topics included in this book on drugs and pharmaceutical sciences are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. For all those who are interested in drugs and pharmaceutical sciences, this book can prove to be an essential guide.