Bøger udgivet af Foster Academics

The heart must respond to myriad physiological and pathophysiological stimuli to maintain sufficient cardiac output over a complete lifespan. To meet such demands on a daily basis, the heart relies on the myocardial reserve, whereby it can alter cardiac output in response to any sudden increase in demand. However, sustained and progressive demands on the heart can lead to cardiac hypertrophy. Hypertension, post-myocardial infarction remodeling and valvular abnormalities are common disease states that result in prolonged hemodynamic demand. If there is no relief from the pathogenic stimulus, it ultimately leads to impaired ventricular relaxation, filling and eventual cardiac failure. Hypertrophy can result from both adaptive (eccentric) and maladaptive (concentric) conditions. Concentric hypertrophy can result from various stressors such as congenital heart defects, hypertension, valvular defects and primary defects of the myocardium. This kind of hypertrophy can result in a dilated ventricle, which is incapable of effectively pumping blood. This can lead to heart failure. Eccentric hypertrophy often arises as a response to exercise or pregnancy. It is largely considered to be a healthy response to high cardiac demand, but comes with associated risks. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied clinical aspects of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. It consists of contributions made by international experts. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in this area.

Cancer refers to a family of diseases, which involves an abnormal growth of cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body. Survival rates in people suffering from cancer vary according to the cancer type and stage in which it is diagnosed. The prognosis is worse for cancers that have metastasized. Cancer survivors often develop a second primary cancer. Cancer research strives to identify possible causes and strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It involves various aspects of molecular bioscience, cancer epidemiology and clinical trials for evaluating and comparing outcomes of different cancer therapies. Translational research in cancer seeks to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and progression, and translate such scientific findings into formulating approaches in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Clinical cancer research is devoted to the development of surgical procedures, pharmaceutical agents and medical technologies for the treatment of cancer. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the field of cancer management. The topics covered herein deal with the clinical and translational research in the field of oncology. For all readers who are interested in this field, the case studies included herein will serve as an excellent guide to develop a comprehensive understanding.

Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment, which uses chemotherapeutic agents as part of a standardized regime against cancer. It generally consists of alkylating agents, antimetabolites, cytotoxic antibiotics, anti-microtubule agents and topoisomerase inhibitors. Different cancers are treated using unique combination chemotherapy regimens. Germ cell tumor is treated with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, while colorectal cancer is targeted with folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. Chemotherapeutic drugs can be administered as a part of induction, consolidation, combination, adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, among others. It can be given with the aim to cure cancer or to prolong life and reduce symptoms. The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on the type of cancer and its stage. Chemotherapeutic drugs impair mitosis and target fast-dividing cells. They are thus cytotoxic in nature and harm normal cells of the body as well. This leads to several associated side effects, such as myelosuppression, mucositis and alopecia. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of chemotherapy and cancer cure. The various advancements in oncological medicine are glanced at and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. It aims to equip students and experts with the advanced topics and upcoming concepts in this area.

Cancer can be thought as a complex adaptive system with emerging properties at different biological scales. The study of the disease using this approach requires an integration of systems biology to cancer research. Tumors are characterized by the presence of genomic and epigenetic anomalies, which alter the functions and interactions of different molecules and networks relative to the local environment. Cancer systems biology thus offers a holistic study of cancer by taking into account its genetics, clinical or preclinical manifestation, signaling networks, cellular behavior, histology and epidemiology. Such a study can be aided using high-throughput technologies that enable genomic analyses of mutations, methylation, copy number variations and rearrangements both at cellular and tissue levels. These also facilitate robust analyses of RNA and microRNA expression data, and protein and metabolite levels. Cancer systems biology is an upcoming field of science that has undergone rapid development over the past few decades. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe on the biology of cancer. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.

Biomedical informatics is a field of information engineering that has applications in healthcare, particularly in the management and use of healthcare information. It is an interdisciplinary study that involves the design, adoption, development and IT-based innovations in healthcare services planning, delivery and management. Some of the tools of biomedical informatics are information and communication systems, computers, clinical guidelines, etc. It has applications in the areas of clinical medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, occupational therapy, biomedical research and physical therapy, among others. Some of the sub-fields of biomedical informatics are pathology informatics, imaging informatics, community health informatics, consumer health informatics, etc. Translational bioinformatics is an emerging field that integrates bio-statistics, molecular bioinformatics, clinical informatics and statistical genetics. It strives to identify the linkages between biological and clinical information, and enable better approaches to the study and treatment of diseases. This book explores all the important aspects of biomedical informatics in the present day scenario. The various studies that are constantly contributing towards advancing technologies and evolution of this field are examined in detail. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about the use of information systems in medicine and health.

Health informatics is the field that integrates information technology, healthcare and communications for improving the quality and safety of patient care. It uses health information technology to improve healthcare through a combination of higher efficiency, higher quality and improved opportunities. Health informatics tools include information and communication systems, computers, clinical guidelines, formal medical terminologies, etc. for improving the effectiveness of patient care delivery. For designing a robust information system, it is imperative to identify changing requirements and improve system design. This facilitates health information, improved quality of care, and decentralized planning and management. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to health informatics. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, it makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into this field.

Breast cancer is the cancer which develops in the breast tissue. Being obese, lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption, early puberty, not having children or having children late, and hormone replacement therapy can increase the risks of developing breast cancer. There is an element of genetic susceptibility to the disease, due to inheritance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Breast cancer can be ductal carcinomas or lobular carcinomas. Some of the indications of breast cancer are an inverted nipple, a breast becoming larger or lower, skin puckering or dimpling, discharge from nipple, swelling beneath the armpit, etc. Breast cancer is diagnosed to a reasonable accuracy with the aid of mammography, fine needle aspiration and physical examination. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of breast cancer is generally adopted. It comprises of surgery, chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, hormone blocking therapy, radiotherapy, etc. This book provides comprehensive insights into the evaluation and management of breast cancer. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. It is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on oncology.

Family medicine is a specialization in medicine, which is concerned with the provision of comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families. Unlike other medical specialties, which are limited to the treatment of a particular disease or management of a specific organ, this field integrates care for patients across all ages, genders and diseases. This field deals with a range of diverse acute and chronic healthcare concerns. Besides the diagnosis and treatment of illness, health-risk assessments, preventive care, routine checkups, personalized counseling, and immunization and screening tests, are essential aspects of family medicine. Family physicians participate in integrated outpatient and inpatient learning in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and neurology, internal medicine, community medicine and surgery. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to family medicine. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, the book makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into this field.

Emergency medicine is the medical specialty that is concerned with the care of injuries and medical conditions that require urgent medical attention. The chief dimensions of focus in this area of medicine are life-saving operations such as resuscitation and stabilization, and the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses in the acute phase. The sub-specializations of emergency medicine are medical toxicology, critical care medicine, disaster medicine, hyperbaric medicine, etc. Some of the medical situations that require emergency medical care include heart attack, stroke, fracture, pregnancy related emergencies and complications, manic episode, airway obstruction, etc. This book elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to emergency medicine. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, the book makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline. It attempts to assist those with a goal of delving into this field.

Biomedical engineering is the field concerned with the application of engineering design and principles for developing diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring applications for use in healthcare. It encompasses a number of sub-disciplines with immense medical applications, chief among which are bioinformatics, biomechanics, biomaterials science, neural engineering, tissue engineering, etc. Biomedical engineering has evolved over the years in response to advancements in science and technology. Effective devices for diagnosing and treating diseases, or for rehabilitating, alleviating and compensating for disabilities or injuries are developed and modified owing to advances in biomedical engineering. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of biomedical engineering. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in this field.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor of the lung that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in lung tissues. When the cancer metastasizes, it can spread beyond the lung into nearby tissues and parts of the body. It presents symptoms such as shortness of breath, weight loss, coughing and chest pains. The majority of cases of lung cancer are caused due to long-term tobacco smoking. It can be detected through computed tomography scans and chest radiographs. The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy. The treatment and prognosis of the cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage and the performance status of the patient. Most lung cancers are not curable. However, treatment strategies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery may be used for the management of lung cancer. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. It is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in oncology. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of the discipline.

Oxidative stress is considered to be a major contributor to a wide range of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegeneration in motor neuron diseases and the pathologies caused by diabetes. Oxidative damage in DNA may cause harmful mutations and cancer, while protein damage may result in protein degradation, enzyme inhibition and denaturation. Organisms have a complex system of antioxidant metabolites and enzymes to prevent oxidative damage to cellular components. Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation. Antioxidant vitamins can be found in certain foods such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts and legumes. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about antioxidants. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to this area of study. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying antioxidants as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.

Intensive care is a technologically-advanced and resource-intensive area of healthcare. It is concerned with the provision of care and support to patients with acute and life-threatening conditions. Patient management is crucial in intensive care medicine. Intensive care nursing operates with the objective of providing the utmost level of care to unstable patients. Individuals who require frequent nursing assessments and life sustaining drugs and technology are given such quality of care. Intensive care is provided to patients when they require cardiac, respiratory and renal support, and after surgery when patients are considered unstable. The ever growing need of advanced intensive care is the reason that has fueled the research in the field of intensive care medicine and nursing in recent times. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included in this book. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

HIV/AIDS is a spectrum of conditions that occur due to infection with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. An infection with HIV progresses through three main stages- acute infection, clinical latency and AIDS. 40-90% of individuals develop influenza-like illness after around 2-4 weeks of the initial infection with HIV. This lasts usually between one and two weeks while others experience no significant signs at all. Fever, throat inflammation, large tender lymph nodes, headache, a rash and/or sores of the mouth and genitals may occur. After this stage, follows a period of clinical latency that lasts between three to over twenty years, without treatment. Once AIDS sets in, pneumocystis pneumonia, cachexia and esophageal candidiasis start to occur. Viral-induced cancers and opportunistic infections may also start affecting the individual. This book provides comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and management of HIV/AIDS. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. It is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on HIV/AIDS.

Veterinary science is concerned with the study of animal diseases and disorders, as well as the diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of these. It is practiced for both wild and domesticated animal species suffering from a wide range of conditions. Surgery is an important domain of veterinary science. It falls within the broad categories of soft tissue surgery, orthopedics and neurosurgery. Some of the surgical procedures performed on animals are complex wound management, spaying, minor mass excisions, fracture fixation, skin grafts, joint replacement, balloon valvuloplasty, cystotomy, Caesarean section, etc. The stethoscope, thermometer, laryngoscope, glucometer, centrifuge and autoclave are some of the general tools used in veterinary medicine. ECG, ultrasound, biochemistry analyzer, X-rays, pulse oximeter and refractometer are some of the diagnostic technologies. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different areas of veterinary medicine. It studies, analyzes and upholds the pillars of animal ethics and animal welfare and their utmost significance. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in veterinary science and medicine.

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a spectrum of conditions called as HIV/AIDS or human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is primarily caused by unprotected sex, hypodermic needles, contaminated blood transfusions, mother to child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. HIV/AIDS is diagnosed on the basis of laboratory testing and staged based on the presence of certain signs or symptoms. People infected with HIV usually develop specific antibodies within the first three to twelve weeks after the initial infection. The diagnosis is therefore done by PCR testing for HIV RNA or DNA, or by measuring p24 antigen or HIV-RNA. There is no definitive cure for the disease but it can be managed by highly active antiretroviral therapy that slows the progression of the disease and leads to a near-normal life expectancy. Disease in a newborn can be prevented by the application of mother and child antiretroviral medication. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the assessment, prevention and treatment of AIDS. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to HIV/AIDS. It includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into this disease.

African swine fever, classical swine fever, pseudorabies, influenza A virus in swine, etc. are some of the common swine diseases. Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious disease of swine that causes skin lesions, fever and convulsions, and ultimately culminates in death. Artificial immunization procedures can confer immunity against this condition. Diagnostic tests, such as direct and indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA and histology of the brain can be used to detect the disease. Swine vesicular disease (SVD) is another acute and contagious viral disease that is caused by the swine vesicular disease virus. It is typically characterized by fever, ulcers in the mouth and snout, feet and teats. This disease can infect pigs by exposure to feed containing lethal meal scraps, or infected fecal matter. Since no vaccine exists for this condition, various eradication measures are adopted such as quarantining infected areas, disposal and depopulation of infected pigs and disinfecting contaminated premises. This book covers in detail some existing theories and innovative concepts revolving around swine health. Some of the diverse topics covered in this book address the varied swine diseases that fall under this category. It is a vital tool for all researching or studying swine diseases as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.

The conditions caused due to the hypersensitivity of the immune system to the substances present in the environment that are generally harmless for people are called allergies. Some common allergies are food allergies, hay fever, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Symptoms include itchy rashes, runny nose, swelling, red eyes and shortness of breath. Some specific foods, medications, metal and pollen insect stings are some common causes of allergy. Blood tests, skin prick tests, patch tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and radioallergosorbent test (RAST) are the main diagnostic techniques. Treatment methods include allergen immunotherapy and enzyme potentiated desensitization. The topics included in this book on allergies are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of allergies and the recent researches related to such medical conditions. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

The mental disorders characterized by the habit of abnormal eating which negatively affect a person's mental or physical health are known as eating disorders. Some of their common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, pica and rumination syndrome. Anorexia nervosa is a type of disorder associated with one's act of putting a limit over one's dietary habits, due to the fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin. The type of eating disorder involving binge-eating episodes followed by purging is called bulimia nervosa. Binge eating disorder refers to the eating disorder associated with binge eating episodes that are associated with psychological and social problems. This book presents the complex aspects of eating disorders in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. It discusses the fundamental as well as modern clinical perspectives of such disorders. This book is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference text on eating disorders.

The organ in the female reproductive system, which produces ovum, is known as ovary. There are two ovaries present in the female body. Ovaries are also responsible for the secretion of the hormones which play a major role in regulating a woman's menstrual cycle as well as fertility. When an abnormal growth of cells arise in or on an ovary, which invades or spreads to other regions of the body, it is called ovarian cancer. Some kinds of ovarian cancer are epithelial carcinoma, serous carcinoma, germ cell tumors, sex cord stromal tumors, etc. The diagnosis of ovarian cancer is aided by a physical examination, blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, and confirmed with a biopsy. Regardless of the subtype of ovarian cancer, treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This book provides comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to this medical condition. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

The medical condition associated with the inflammation of the liver is called hepatitis. It is caused by viruses. Viral hepatitis is mainly classified into five types, namely, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Both hepatitis B and C are generally spread via infected blood. The common symptoms of hepatitis B include vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain, yellowish skin and dark urine. Assays and PCR tests are used for its diagnosis. Treatment methods include the intake of antiviral medications and interferon treatment. On the other hand, fever, abdominal pain and jaundice are common in patients suffering from hepatitis C. Diagnostic methods include HCV antibody enzyme immunoassay, blood testing and liver biopsies. Use of acetaminophen is helpful in treating it. The topics included in this book on the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. This book is a complete source of knowledge on the present status of this medical condition.

The type of traditional medicine based on ancient Chinese medical practices, including qigong, tui na, herbal medicine and acupuncture, is known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is based on the belief that a body's vital energy, called qi, flows through channels, known as meridians, which have branches connected to bodily organs and functions. The Yin-Yang theory and Wu Xing theory are the main philosophies of traditional Chinese medicine. This field emphasizes that diseases are the imbalances or disharmonies in the functioning of qi, yin, yang, meridians, xue and zang-fu. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under the field of Chinese medicine and how such concepts have practical applications. It strives to provide a fair idea about this discipline and to help develop a better understanding of the latest advances within this field. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

The process of removing excess water, toxins and solutes from the body of those whose kidneys are no longer able to naturally perform these functions is called dialysis. It is usually done in patients with acute kidney injury or end-stage kidney disease. It can act as a temporary relief measure in patients awaiting kidney transplant, and as a permanent measure in cases in which transplant is not possible. The primary types of dialysis include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and hemofiltration. Hemodiafiltration and intestinal dialysis are its secondary types. This book brings forth some of the most innovative concepts and elucidates the unexplored aspects of dialysis therapy. It covers in detail some existing theories and innovative concepts revolving around dialysis therapy. This book includes contributions of experts and scientists, which will provide innovative insights into the subject.

The field of veterinary medicine deals with the treatment and prevention of animal diseases and injuries. A number of diseases occur in bovines, cats and dogs such as anthrax, buffalo pox, bovine mastitis, bladder stones, rabies, pyometra, brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, diabetes, obesity, etc. Animals are also prone to injuries such as bite wounds and wounds acquired from stepping on or running into objects. Depending on the injury, wounds may be cleaned and sutured, explored, lavaged and debrided, or left open and allowed to heal. Orthopedic surgeries such as hip replacement, leg amputation, bone fracture repair, etc. may be done to manage traumatic injuries. Zoonoses, such as Ebola, salmonellosis, bird and swine flu, early HIV infections, etc. are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These may be transmitted to humans through bites and saliva, or through air. Humans can also infect animals with diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, measles, tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of veterinary medicine. The objective of this book is to give a general view of the different areas of veterinary medicine and their applications. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.

The types of food, in which new ingredients or more of the already existing ingredients are added in order to give them an additional function, are called functional foods. Such foods are enriched during their processing to provide benefits to the consumers. They are primarily designed to provide physiological benefits and to prevent chronic diseases. They can be consumed normally as a part of one's regular diet. The addition of vitamin D to milk is a common example. The topics included in this book on functional foods are of utmost significance and bound to provide incredible insights to readers. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on the nutritional and health impacts of functional foods have been included in it. For all those who are interested in this field, this book can prove to be an essential guide.

Complementary medicine refers to the use of alternative medicine with functional medical treatment, for the purpose of improving the treatment effects. Alternative medicine involves the use of such practices, which are unproven to relieve the pain or to achieve other healing effects of medicine. Naturopathy and homeopathy are two of the most common forms of alternative medicine. Naturopathy is a natural and non-invasive therapeutic treatment method based on the belief that the body heals on its own by using a vital energy, which guides the bodily processes. The belief, that the substances, which cause the symptoms of a disease in healthy people, cure similar symptoms in sick people, forms the roots of homeopathy. The various advancements in complementary and alternative medicine are glanced at and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail in this book. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on alternative practices have been included in it. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.

The disease in which increased bone weakness aggravates the risk of a broken bone is known as osteoporosis. If the bone breaks, it leads to chronic pain and difficulties in carrying out normal activities. Osteoporosis is commonly associated with the bones of the forearm, the vertebrae in the spine and the hip. It may occur due to either lower or greater than normal bone mass. It may also occur due to alcoholism, surgical removal of ovaries, anorexia, kidney disease, chemotherapy, etc. Dual-ray X-ray absorptiometry is the most common method to measure it. The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation is the underlying mechanism in most cases. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of osteoporosis and the recent researches related to it. Different approaches, evaluation and advanced studies on the disease have been included herein. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of osteoporosis.

Nursing is a primary division of healthcare. It can be referred to as the use of clinical judgement in order to provide autonomous or collaborative care to patients. It involves the achievement of optimal health and quality of life for individuals, families or communities. Nurses help in developing a plan of care to treat illnesses by working in coordination with physicians and therapists. Clinical nurse specialists may also diagnose health problems and prescribe medications accordingly. Nursing care can be provided in diverse settings such as hospitals, homes, schools, occupation health settings, etc. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of nursing which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. While understanding the long-term perspectives of the topics, this book makes an effort in highlighting their impact as a modern tool for the growth of the discipline. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

The agents that carry and transmit infectious pathogens to other living organisms are called vectors. Such agents are usually intermediate parasites or microbes. Parasite refers to the organism which either lives in or on some other organism, benefitting itself by causing harm to that organism. Some common parasites are hookworms, protozoans, mosquitoes, lice, honey fungus, broomrapes, mistletoe and dodder. As they interact with other species, they are well placed to act as vectors of pathogens, which cause diseases. Dengue fever, plague, Lyme disease and West Nile fever are some examples of vector-borne zoonotic diseases. This book is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the role of parasites and vectors in health and diseases. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.

Palliative care refers to the medical and nursing care meant for people struggling with life-limiting illnesses. It aims at controlling symptoms, reducing pain and providing relief in physical and mental stress at any stage of illness. It focuses on improving the quality of life for the patient as well as their family. The health professionals commonly involved in a palliative care team include nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech-language pathologists. Edmonton Symptoms Assessment Scale (ESAS) is a common method used to assess the symptoms of the patients receiving palliative care. The book studies, analyzes and upholds the pillars of palliative care and its utmost significance in modern times. It aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of palliative care and the recent researches in the subject. This book includes contributions of experts and researchers, which will provide innovative insights into this field.