Bøger udgivet af Foster Academics

The part of the immune system, which improves the abilities of antibodies and phagocytic cells that eliminate microbes and destroyed cells from an organism, is known as the complement system. It also promotes inflammation and damages the pathogen's cell membrane. It is a continuous process and hence belongs to the innate immune system. It is non-adaptive and has a lifelong presence. The complement system can be used by antibodies, which are produced by the adaptive immune system. Various small proteins are included in the complement system which synthesize through the liver and circulate as inactive precursors in the blood. There are three biochemical pathways which contribute in the activation of complement system, namely, the alternative complement pathway, the classical complement pathway and the lectin pathway. Such selected concepts that redefine the study of the human complement system have been presented in this book. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of research in this area of study. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

Osteoimmunology refers to an interdisciplinary research field that combines the field of immunology and osteology. It focuses on the potential treatments and mechanisms associated with bone related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis and osteoporosis that are caused by or linked with failure of the immune system. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) is the prime regulator of osteoclastogenesis. It is known to be responsible for the increased activation of osteoclasts, such as direct activation of T cells and indirect increase in the expression of RANKL, and consequently promoting osteoclastic activity. Osteoblasts have significance in the maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell. Furthermore, they are also relevant in the development of lymphocytes, along with immune cell functions in the development of osteoclast and osteoblast. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to osteoimmunology. Also included herein is a detailed explanation of the molecular mechanisms and clinical applications of this field. Those with an interest in this field would find this book helpful.

Lymphoid organs are comprised of lymphoid tissue and are the site of lymphocyte activation and lymphocyte production. The structure of lymphoid organs includes primary lymphoid organs, secondary lymphoid organs and tertiary lymphoid organs. Primary lymphoid organs produce lymphocytes, the spleen and lymph nodes, through immature progenitor cells. Secondary lymphoid organs maintain mature lymphocytes, while initiating adaptive immune response. Tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) develop in peripheral tissues in adult organisms as a response to non-resolving inflammation. TLOs related diseases include chronic infection, allograft rejection, cancer and autoimmune diseases. They contain an active germinal center which is surrounded by a network of follicular dendritic cells (FDCs). The lymphatic system as a whole provides accessory return route for the blood. Furthermore, immune defense is another significant function of the lymphatic system. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital advances in the field of Immunology with respect to lymphoid organs. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Fc receptor is a protein which is present on the surface of cells such as macrophages, B lymphocytes, mast cells, neutrophils, basophils and human platelets. Fc receptors allow the cells to connect with antibodies which are attached to the microbe's surface, and help the cells in identifying and eliminating the pathogens. Antibodies (Ab) protect against infectious agents by binding to pathogens and preventing their entry into target cells. They also facilitate the recruitment of Fc-receptor bearing cells that can eliminate pathogens or infected cells by mediating phagocytosis or cytotoxic activity known as Fc-mediated functions. Antibodies can be classified as neutralizing (nAb) antibodies and non-neutralizing (non-nAb) antibodies. Neutralizing (nAb) antibodies can mediate both functions and non-neutralizing (non-nAb) antibodies are limited to Fc-mediated functions. Non-nAb plays an important role in providing protection against a variety of viral infections, including smallpox, sindbis, yellow fever, ebola, and influenza. It also provides protection from non-viral infections such as tuberculosis and malaria. This book provides comprehensive insights on Fc receptors and their antibodies, as well as their role in disease and immunotherapy. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a life threating condition known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The first stage of HIV infection is acute infection, following latency and then AIDS, which is the last and critical stage. Patients of AIDS generally have fully dysfunctional immune systems and they acquire a number of severe illnesses known as opportunistic infections (OIs). These illnesses occur in HIV patients with greater severity. Various OIs include tuberculosis (TB), pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, salmonella infection and candidiasis. These infections are caused by various germs, which can be transmitted through contaminated water and food, body fluids and air. AIDS normally takes years to grow following an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Infected AIDS patients are more likely to acquire cancers, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer, and cancers caused by damaged immune-system known as lymphomas. AIDS patients can benefit from certain medications like antiretroviral medicines. This book contains some path-breaking studies on the molecular and cell biology of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS. It will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

Thrombosis refers to the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels, i.e, veins and arteries. Venous thrombosis refers to the formation of blood clots in veins whereas arterial thrombosis refers to condition when blood clots block an artery. Thrombosis may be caused due to factors such as surgical procedures, immobility, inherited predisposition to blood clots, use of oral contraceptives, and underlying health conditions. Medical conditions such as cancer, pregnancy, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and certain rheumatic diseases can increase the risk of venous thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and superficial venous thrombosis are the two common forms of venous thrombosis. DVT is a condition that leads to the formation of blood clots in the veins located deep in the human body. Some common tests for diagnosing venous thrombosis are duplex venous ultrasound, venography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scan. The main treatment for venous thrombosis is anti-coagulant medication that helps to control the formation of blood clots in the body. This book provides significant insights into venous thrombosis. It consists of contributions made by international experts. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

Telemedicine (TM) refers to the usage of telecommunication technology to treat patients in a remote place. It uses advanced technological innovations to transfer medical information and data from one location to another. It gathers medical data and information that can be used to improve the patient's care. Telemedicine uses virtualized treatment methods for patients. It enables doctors to treat patients in less time and increase access to more patients. It also decreases the cost related with each patient visit. Telemedicine comprises the clinical care of specific patients and it also ensures the exchange of information in a protected environment. Various technologies that are contributing in shaping the future of telemedicine include Internet of things (IoT) and nanotechnology, augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing, artificial intelligence and tele-robots. This book unravels the recent studies on telemedicine technologies. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or fetal growth restriction is a condition in which the fetus does not grow normally in the womb during pregnancy. This condition may be caused due to maternal, fetal, or placental complications. Certain important causes include placenta abnormalities, high blood pressure in mother, infections, smoking or alcohol abuse, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, blood clotting disorder, etc. One of the major consequences of IUGR is that a baby is born weighing less than 90 percent of other babies at the same gestational age. IUGR is broadly classified into asymmetrical IUGR and symmetrical IUGR. A decreased oxygen or nutrient supply to the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy due to placental insufficiency is called asymmetrical IUGR. Symmetrical IUGR, also known as global growth restriction, shows that the fetus has grown slowly during the pregnancy, and has been affected from the start. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about intrauterine growth restriction. It outlines the aetiology and management of this medical condition in detail. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

Sensor networks and systems provide smart and efficient solutions for healthcare systems. Sensor networks are vital tools to understand the health of human beings. Some of the different types of sensors are ECG patches, wearable spirometers, and hemodynamic/pressure monitoring devices. A network of connected devices is created when a person wears two or more sensors at one time, which is known as body area network. These networks can gather physiological signals through many sites, calculate vital health metrics, and transfer data on the cloud. Wearable sensors consist of a wide range of applications that help in health monitoring and fitness tracking. They play a major role in developing a connected personal healthcare system. These sensor networks and systems are also helpful in preparing disease management plans for healthcare organizations monitoring patient health. This book strives to provide a fair idea about sensor networks and systems to help develop a better understanding of their healthcare applications. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) refers to a type of contagious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The signs and symptoms of Covid-19 might vary but commonly include coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, loss of taste, headaches, loss of smell and exhaustion. The physical changes that occur in women's bodies due to pregnancy may make them prone to respiratory viruses like Covid-19. The risk of getting infected with Covid-19 in case of expectant mothers is generally minimal. However, exposure to this virus during pregnancy has been linked to a higher risk of premature delivery. Women who have Covid-19 during pregnancy may be more prone to other pregnancy issues, like delivering a stillborn infant. Pregnant women who are overweight, older or already have certain medical disorders like diabetes or hypertension are more likely to suffer from negative effects of Covid-19. This book unravels the recent studies on the relationship between Covid-19 and pregnancy. Its extensive content will provide the readers with a thorough understanding of the topic.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts from the breast cells. Some of its common symptoms are formation of lump in the breast, dimpling of breast skin, and changes in the size and appearance of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer such as ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive lobular carcinoma, angiosarcoma, Paget's disease of the breast and inflammatory breast cancer. Factors such as obesity, lack of physical exercise, alcoholism, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, and ionizing radiation may result in the development of breast cancer. It can be diagnosed with the help of biopsy. The treatment of breast cancer involves performing surgery, prescribing medications, and therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A number of latest researches have been included in this book to keep the readers updated with the latest concepts related to the biological and clinical progress in breast cancer. It is an excellent resource guide for oncologists as well as students.

Hepatology refers to the branch of medicine that studies and manages disorders of the gallbladder, pancreas, liver and biliary tree. It was previously considered as a subspecialty of gastroenterology, but it is now becoming recognized as a separate field of study. Clinical research in hepatology is focused on developing novel medications, such as improvements to well-established liver transplantation procedures, antiviral medicines and developing new strategies for sustenance of failing liver. The application of molecular biology methods has helped to shed light on the vulnerability to various liver problems, as well as the mechanisms of liver diseases with hereditary and viral origins. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of hepatology and the recent researches in this field. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Metabolism refers to the process through which a human body produces energy from food. In this process, food is broken down into sugars and acids with the help of chemicals in the digestive system. These acids and sugars provide the energy or fuel for the body, which is used to perform various functions by the body. Metabolic diseases are a group of diseases that cause a disruption in the metabolic process due to abnormal chemical reactions within the body. These diseases affect the parts of the cells that function to produce energy. The most common sign of metabolic diseases is diabetes along with increased circumference of the waist. The causes include obesity and physical inactivity. Metabolic diseases are linked with the complications related to heart and vessel disease. Preventive methods, such as limiting saturated fat and salt in diet, consuming sufficient vegetables and fruits, and avoiding smoking, can help in the management and control of conditions that lead to metabolic diseases. The topics included in this book on metabolic diseases are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Obesity is a medical condition in which the body gains an excessive amount of fat. It is a complex disease that is associated with other health complications, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Diabetes is a metabolic health condition that affects the mechanism through which the body uses blood sugar. Obesity can affect the mechanism of the body with which it uses insulin to manage blood sugar levels. This leads to an increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. The diagnosis of obesity involves skinfold thickness tests, waist-to-hip comparisons, and screening tests such as ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI scans. Blood tests which examine cholesterol and glucose levels, liver function tests, diabetes screening, thyroid tests, and heart tests are performed to diagnose health risks linked with diabetes. Treatment for obesity may include weight loss medications, eating and exercise plans, whereas insulin injections, carbohydrate counting, and frequent blood sugar checks help in the management of diabetes. This book outlines the diagnosis and management of obesity and diabetes in detail. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying these medical conditions.

Cellular metabolism refers to the set of chemical reactions that take place within the cells of living organisms for maintaining life. Complex sequences of well controlled biochemical reactions are a part of cellular metabolism. These processes enable organisms to develop and reproduce, preserve their structural integrity and adapt to changes in their environment. Cell metabolism reflects the state of the cell's health. The mitochondrion is the primary source of energy for the cell, where bioenergetic processes take place by absorbing fuel sources like fatty acids and glucose. Afterwards, it gets converted into energy through a series of enzymatic reactions. Cellular bioenergetics deregulation results in various pathologies, like neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and diabetes. Cancer is characterized by altered cellular metabolism which aids in the development, growth and maintenance of tumors, as well as malignant transformation. This book contains some path-breaking studies on the role of cellular metabolism in health and disease. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.

Optical diagnostics is a specialized field of diagnostics that makes use of optical imaging. It is a technique that enables medical practitioners to look inside the body in a non-invasive manner. Optical imaging makes use of visible light and the special properties of photons to obtain detailed images of organs, tissues, cells and molecules. Optical diagnostics help in diagnosing various pathological disorders of biological tissues. There are several biomedical applications of optical diagnostics. The major advantage of optical imaging is that it offers minimally invasive or non-invasive methods for looking inside the body. Optical diagnostics also reduces a patient's exposure to harmful radiation. It can be used to measure metabolic changes that can act as early indicators of abnormal functioning of organs and tissues. A combination of optical imaging with other imaging techniques like MRI or X-rays can provide enhanced information to monitor complex diseases. The objective of this book is to give a general view of optical diagnostics and its biomedical applications. Researchers and students in this field will be assisted by this book.

Blister is the rounded elevation of the skin that contains clear fluid, caused by a separation between the epidermis and the dermis layers of the skin. Blistering diseases are a heterogenous group of disorders that are characterized by the formation of blisters and bullae in the skin and mucous membranes. Some of the blistering diseases are pemphigus, paraneoplastic pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, cicatricial pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, and subcorneal pustular dermatitis. Pemphigus is a rare group of blistering autoimmune diseases that are characterized by a loss of normal cell-cell adhesion (acantholysis), and by the presence of disease causing autoantibodies reacting against epithelial adhesion molecules. Examination of skin or mucous membrane biopsy helps in diagnosing blistering diseases. They can be treated by the administration of oral steroids such as prednisone. This book contains some path-breaking studies related to the clinical features, pathogenesis and treatment of blistering diseases. It will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

A dental implant is a type of prosthesis, which is introduced in the jaw bone or skull for providing support to dental prosthesis like a denture, facial prosthesis, or crown-bridge. It can also be used as an orthodontic anchor. Success and failure of the dental implants is dependent on the health of the individual undergoing the procedure, as well as the drugs which are administered. The complications and risks related with dental implants that can happen during surgery include nerve injury or excessive bleeding. The long term complications associated with such procedures include mechanical failures and peri-implantitis. Technologies like interactive software applications, cone-beam computed tomography and computed tomography are facilitating the development of significant tools for diagnosis, planning the treatment, and fixing the dental implant along with surgical and restorative procedures. This book explores all the important aspects of implant dentistry in the present day scenario. With state-of-the-art inputs acclaimed by experts in this field, this book targets students and professionals.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that play an important role in human diet and physiology. They are classified into three types, which include α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The primary source of omega-3 fatty acids are marine algae and phytoplankton. Walnuts, edible seeds and flaxseeds are common sources of plant oils containing ALA, while EPA and DHA are found in fish and fish oils. DHA is considered the most vital omega-3 fatty acid in the body, as it is the principal structural component of brain, retina and other body parts. It is essential for pregnant and breastfeeding women to get adequate DHA because it can affect the health and cognitive abilities of an infant. This book contains some path-breaking studies on the nutritional importance of omega-3 fatty acids. It is a collective contribution of a renowned group of international experts. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

The oral cavity acts as an intersection between dentistry and medicine, and provides an overview of the overall health of a person. Oral bacteria can contribute to diseases in other parts of the body. A number of systemic diseases have been associated with oral health including Alzheimer's disease and dementia, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and various types of cancers. The associations between oral and systematic health can be understood using two mechanisms. The first one is associated with the chronic inflammation in the oral cavity. This leads to an increase in inflammatory markers in the blood that affects the immune response or supplements the overall disease burden on the body. Secondly, the oral cavity may serve as a source for pathogenic bacteria to enter the bloodstream which can affect systemic pathologies. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of oral and systemic health, and the recent researches in this area of study. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and postgraduate students.

Blood vessels are tubular structures through which the body fluids i.e., blood and lymph circulate. There are three main types of vessels, namely, arteries, veins and capillaries. Most of the patient care management plans usually require that the medical staff is able to access the vessels of the patient's body in addition to preserving the vessels. In administering medicines and vital fluids to patients, vascular access is a standard technique. Vascular access procedure requires that a flexible and sterile plastic tube (called catheter) is inserted into the blood vessel of a patient for drawing blood from the body or to inject medication into the body. There are many complications associated with administering medicines or essential fluids through the procedure like phlebitis (inflammation of the vein), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and infections leading to discomfort to the patients. To protect the veins, and minimize damage and consequences, it is critical that vessel health should be assessed for each patient. This book elucidates the concepts around future developments with respect to vascular health and preservation. With its detailed analyses and data, it will prove immensely beneficial to professionals and students involved in this area of medicine at various levels.

Regenerative medicine is a field of medicine that develops methods to create, repair or replace diseased or harmed cells, tissues or organs. This discipline encompasses the development and application of therapeutic stem cells, the creation of artificial organs, as well as tissue engineering. The heart holds a limited ability of self-renewal and this limitation can be overcome with the usage of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in cardiovascular tissue engineering. Cardiac regeneration uses cutting-edge research, such as cell-free and stem cell therapy to heal damaged heart tissue. Tools for repair have been developed to use the body's inherent capacity for regeneration to restore damaged cardiac tissue and function. Cardiac stem cell therapy has the potential to stimulate myocardial regeneration in patients suffering from ischemic heart disease. This book explores all the important aspects of cardiovascular regenerative medicine. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to the use of nanotechnology as well as the clinical applications of this field. This book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Heart disease refers to a type of disease that primarily impacts the heart or blood vessels. There are several risk factors of these diseases, including high cholesterol, smoking, insufficient exercise, high blood pressure, obesity and a poor diet. Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is a type of infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Covid-19 patients are more likely to develop a wide variety of cardiovascular disorders, such as ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, thromboembolic disease, heart failure, dysrhythmias, pericarditis and cerebrovascular disorders. Inflammation linked to Covid-19 increases the risk of heart attack through the disruption of the blood vessel lining and activation of the body's clotting system. The patients of Covid-19 may also experience symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as changes on their echocardiogram, chest pain and shortness of breath. This book explores all the important aspects of heart diseases and Covid-19. It will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in these medical conditions.

Anesthesiology refers to a type of medical specialty that focuses on the complete perioperative care of patients before, during and after surgery. It is an integral part of critical emergency medicine, anesthesia, pain medicine and intensive care medicine. Regional anesthesia, local anesthesia, general anesthesia and sedation are the four primary types of anesthesia used during surgical procedures. Regional anesthesia is a type of pain management used during surgery that numbs a significant portion of the body typically from the waist down. The drug is administered by a tiny tube or injection known as a catheter and is used when a simple injection of local anesthetic is insufficient and it is preferable for the patient to be awake. Regional anesthesia aids in the management of postoperative pain and can help patients recover quickly and safely with fewer side effects than general anesthesia. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments in research with respect to regional anesthesiology. It will help new researchers by foregrounding their knowledge in this branch of medicine. Different approaches, evaluations, and advanced studies on this topic have been included in this book.

Sarcopenia refers to the aging-related muscle wasting and weakness which involves a degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality and strength. It is a condition characterized by muscular atrophy. Exercise level, nutrition, and co-morbidities all influence the rate of muscle loss. Changes in muscle synthesis signaling pathways are linked to the loss of muscle. Sarcopenia can impair a person's capacity to perform daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs and lifting objects. It is linked to severe comorbidities, including obesity, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Sarcopenia can be prevented and delayed by leading an active lifestyle and engaging in physical activity. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge on the impact of age-related muscle wasting and weakness associated with sarcopenia. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of this disease. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this medical condition.

Pain refers to an emotional experience and unpleasant sensation commonly caused by tissue damage. It enables the body to respond and prevent any further damage. Acute pain and chronic pain are the two primary types of pain. Acute pain is a typical reaction to an illness or injury. It usually begins abruptly and is short-lived. Chronic pain lasts longer than the anticipated period for recovery. It usually lasts longer than three months. The initial assessment of pain generally starts with a physical examination. Pain is measured by determining its impact on activities like work, mood, sleep and relationships. Complementary therapies, pain medications, and physical therapy are major therapies for the effective management of pain. The multimodal management of pain includes relying on multiple therapies and medications for pain management. Some of the groups of medications, which are used in combination for managing pain are alpha-2 agonists, local anaesthetics, NSAIDs, opioids and acetaminophen. This book is a detailed explanation of pain assessment and multimodal management. It is a resource guide for experts as well as students.

Anesthesiology refers to the perioperative care of patients before, during and after the surgery. It also includes intensive care medicine, pain medicine and critical emergency medicine. Its primary principle includes the use of anesthesia and anesthetics for safely supporting a patient's vital functions during a surgery. An understanding of operative risk and complications, the methods to mitigate such risks, and the management of the illness is crucial to the practice of anesthesiology. Active airway management, ultrasonography, echocardiography imaging and hemodynamic monitoring are also performed within this discipline. In recent years, the scope of anesthesiology has extended to the identification of high-risk patients and optimization of their fitness, improvement of safety during the surgery and promotion of recovery. The topics covered in this book offer the readers new insights in the field of anesthesiology. It traces the progress of this field and highlights some of its key concepts and applications. The book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area of medicine as well as for experts.

Cognitive decline refers to a type of condition wherein a person experiences memory loss, slower or diminished thinking skills, or other impairments in mental capabilities. It is a reaction to the slower rate at which the brain functions due to the ageing of neurons. Environmental factors that are not conducive to a person's brain health can contribute to cognitive decline. This condition might range from dementia to mild cognitive impairment. Hearing loss is a partial or whole loss of hearing in one or both ears which can range from minor to profound. Its common causes include ageing, heredity, exposure to loud noise and illness. Hearing loss is independently linked to both incident cognitive impairment and accelerated cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. This book aims to understand the clinical perspectives of cognitive decline and hearing loss. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of these medical conditions. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

Genitourinary (GU) cancers refer to the cancers which occur in the urinary system and the male reproductive system. The main parts of the urinary system are urethra, kidneys, ureters and bladder. There are various types of GU cancers such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The diagnosis of these cancers can be done by performing tests such as medical imaging and biopsy. Patients of GU cancers require special care and medication. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are some of the major treatment options for GU cancers. This book strives to provide a fair idea about genitourinary cancers and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances in their clinical management. It also aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects related to their molecular pathogenesis. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts related to this medical condition.

Addiction refers to a complex and chronic brain illness influenced by the environment and genes. It is characterized by substance abuse or compulsive behaviors that persist despite negative consequences. Commonly abused substances include intoxicants like heroin and alcohol, and milder stimulants like nicotine and caffeine. Addiction is recognized as a mental illness and it causes significant economic, health, and social difficulties. Addiction medicine is a subspecialty of medicine that involves the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Neuroscience can be used to study the brain mechanisms behind behaviors related to addiction, in order to further the understanding of the addictive processes. It also studies the actions of drug abuse. This book aims to understand the role of neuroscience in the field of addiction medicine. It covers in detail some existent theories and innovative concepts revolving around the prevention and rehabilitation of addictive behaviors. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective with respect to this area of medicine.