Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome that is prevalent among hospitalized patients. In recent years, occurrence of AKI events has risen due to a growing susceptibility of fragile and elderly subjects and an increase in the use of complex procedures such as cardiovascular surgery and imaging techniques. Exposure to potentially nephrotoxic drugs, such as new chemotherapeutic agents, is also proving to be a cause of AKI. This book summarizes recent advances in various settings. A reappraisal of current definitions and staging classifications for AKI in the literature is followed by a description of new criteria for identifying patients at risk and characterizing early kidney damage by using biomarkers. Other important topics include the sequelae of AKI and AKI
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious disorder in which sudden impairment of kidney function occurs secondary to one or more of a variety of underlying conditions and exposures. It is very common in (elderly) ICU patients and associated with very high mortality. Many of those who survive suffer from permanent kidney failure and other long-term morbidities. Renowned experts from around the world have contributed to this new publication, creating a succinct yet complete review of the most controversial aspects of AKI. The topics range from epidemiology and basic science to pathophysiology and clinical issues. It is intended as a concise reference work for physicians and nurses who deal with AKI in clinical nephrology and intensive care wards on a daily basis.
Doping represents the dark side of amateur and professional sports - in order to protect athletes around the globe, anti-doping rules are continuously revised and improved. This publication reviews the current regulatory framework, scientific aspects, future approaches, and social and ethical dimensions of the fight against doping in sport. Prominent experts on the implementation of anti-doping strategies, as well as leading researchers in science and medicine, have contributed to this publication. In keeping with its interdisciplinary origin, the book is intended for athletes, coaches, students, scientists, anti-doping officials, and all others interested in anti-doping and sports. Ranging from legal and educational to scientific and medical issues, this collection
The distinct biology of haematological disorders as well as other age-related issues in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients deserves unique psychological and medical attention. It emphasizes the necessity for a treatment approach taking into consideration their special needs. These include fertility considerations, survivorship issues, psychological support, adherence to treatment difficulties and other dilemmas and problems exclusive to this group of patients. AYA patients may usually better support intensive treatments and if possible should be referred to special centres and participate in clinical trials. In recent years the focus on AYA patients in oncology and hemato-oncology has increased. Still a distinct approach to these patients is an unmet need. This
Dealing with current hot topics, this book aims to provide an update on advances in the treatment of endocrine disorders. The chapters cover innovative therapeutic approaches to type 1 diabetes, such as artificial pancreas and islet transplantation. Additionally, novel pharmacological interventions for patients with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, as well as with adrenal and gonadal disorders are provided. Furthermore, recent developments in growth-promoting therapies, such as the C-type natriuretic peptide analog to treat achondroplasia, as well as antioxidant and gene replacement therapies in patients with adrenoleukodystrophy, are described. Worldwide renowned experts share their experience and cutting edge research in Advanced Therapies in Pediatric
Developments in radiation oncology have been key to the tremendous progress made in the field in recent years. The combination of optimal systemic treatment and local therapy has resulted in continuing improved outcomes of cancer therapy. This progress forms the basis for current pre-clinical and clinical research which will strengthen the position of radiation oncology as an essential component of oncological care. This book summarizes recent advances in radiotherapy research and clinical patient care. Topics include radiobiology, radiotherapy technology, and particle therapy. Chapters cover a summary and analysis of recent developments in the search for biomarkers for precision radiotherapy, novel imaging possibilities and treatment planning, and advances in
In many areas of medicine physicians still face the great challenge of finding therapies that will meet the patients' needs. In dermatology the challenge has arisen on multiple fronts through advances in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of many inflammatory and malignant cutaneous disorders. Breakthroughs, combined with significant developments in targeted immunotherapy, have resulted in improved outcomes as these newer therapies are being used for both approved indications and as off-label therapies for various chronic inflammatory skin disorders and many forms of skin cancer. In the expectation that by truly understanding the safety profile of these targeted therapies patients' outcomes will be significantly improved, this book offers insights into
Aging is a major risk factor for chronic diseases, which in turn can provide information about the aging of a biological system. This publication serves as an introduction to systems biology and its application to biological aging. Key pathways and processes that impinge on aging are reviewed, and how they contribute to health and disease during aging is discussed. The evolution of this situation is analyzed, and the consequences for the study of genetic effects on aging are presented. Epigenetic programming of aging, as a continuation of development, creates an interface between the genome and the environment. New research into the gut microbiome describes how this interface may operate in practice with marked consequences for a variety of disorders. This analysis is
Allergic diseases and asthma constitute a growing health care problem with a marked socioeconomic impact, especially in industrialized countries. This book summarizes what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying these diseases. Obviously, both environmental and genetic factors influence the development of allergic and asthmatic diseases. Several chapters highlight the role of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and T cells, as well as environmental factors in the development of allergy and asthma. Also discussed are the most recent therapeutic strategies including allergen-specific immunotherapy and anti-IgE treatment as well as the function of histamine as a major mediator of acute inflammatory and immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The interdisciplinary character
In recent years, interest in the management of anterior skull base tumors has been fostered by the introduction and subsequent rapid expansion of indications of transnasal endoscopic techniques. In parallel, extraordinary progress has been made in all the other disciplines which are involved in the complex process of managing anterior skull base tumors, leading to substantial improvements in diagnosis and treatment. The anterior skull base can be involved in a large variety of tumors of a varying nature and histology, which in the majority of cases originate from adjacent anatomic sites. In fact, primary lesions of the anterior skull base mainly include osteoma and other tumors originating from bone and cartilage. Tumors involving the anterior skull base have their
The introduction of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies into the treatment of patients with IBD about fifteen years ago has dramatically improved the quality of life for patients with severe Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. But despite the fact this therapeutic approach has been around for quite some time, there has been no comprehensive overview to date. The book at hand aims to amend this shortcoming, presenting for the first time a thorough overview on TNF action, mechanisms of anti-TNF therapy, treatment strategies, side effects, monitoring, biosimilars and related issues. Including state-of-the-art information and research results, this publication will be a valuable source of information and guide clinicians to the optimal treatment decision,
Hundreds of bacterial species make up human gut flora. The intestine has at least 400 different species of bacteria totaling over 1012 organisms. Of these, 99% are anaerobic bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract is then exposed to countless numbers of bacterial species and foreign antigens and has embedded a unique and complex network of immunological and non-immunological mechanisms to protect the host from potentially harmful pathogens. Healthy individuals are generally tolerant to their own microbiota, but such tolerance is impaired in patients with both organic and functional gastrointestinal diseases. The advancement of the knowledge on microbial-gut interactions in health and disease has allowed a more pathophysiologically-oriented approach to several challenging
The majority of the global population is affected by repair or replacement of craniofacial structures caused by tooth decay or loss as well as major craniofacial defects, necessitating complex tissue augmentation or regeneration procedures. As a result of exciting developments and the increasing number of novel biomaterials and different clinical applications, it is extremely important to understand these biomaterials and their design. This publication integrates the application of biomaterials science and describes the recent advances, the role of cutting-edge biomaterials in engineering oral tissues, surface modification technologies, the emerging field of nanomaterials and clinical translation showing future directions in oral and craniomaxillofacial health care.
Hemodialysis therapy has become a well-established form of renal replacement, and due to continuous improvements in technology, a series of new biomaterials and techniques for the clinical routine have been developed. Nevertheless, cardiovascular disorders in hemodialysis and uremia represent one of the most important aspects of modern nephrological care. This publication is therefore dedicated to cardiovascular risk factors, the role of the endothelium, problems related to mineral disorders and finally to the possible impact of new technologies on the final outcome in hemodialysis. Being a state-of-the-art appraisal of today's technology and current issues in hemodialysis with special regard to cardiovascular disorders and risk factors, this book is a synthesis
In recent years, gap junction research in the cardiovascular system has considerably improved the understanding of cardiac function and the vasculature in health and disease. The present book focuses on the communication of intercellular gap junctions in the cardiovascular system but also includes aspects of physiology, medicine and cell biology. The first part of this volume highlights the principal aspects of these intercellular channels, allowing the readers unfamiliar with the field to get a deeper understanding of the physiology, pharmacology and regulation of gap junctions. The second part elucidates their role in the pathophysiology of important cardiovascular diseases, e.g. arrhythmia, heart failure, ischemia, atrial fibrillation, diabetes and arteriosclerosis.
Most endocrine diseases, if not treated or controlled, have cardiovascular manifestations. Both GH deficiency and GH excess impair cardiovascular functions, e.g. in patients with acromegaly, who have a shortened life expectancy and increased mortality mostly due to cardiovascular complications in uncontrolled disease. Moreover, Cushing's syndrome and diabetes are well known for metabolic and cardiovascular manifestations, as well as hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Both adipose tissue and the heart have been increasingly recognized as organs with partially endocrine functions, which produce adipokines and brain natriuretic peptide, respectively, and influence a number of cardiovascular parameters. Primary aldosteronism as a cause for secondary hypertension is still a great
Currently there is no reason, in most cases of cavitated caries lesions, to remove affected tissue. This book presents evidence-based research on the topic and provides assessments of diagnostic devices. It offers new insights into how a dentine carious cavity can be managed by either tissue removal or restoration. Methods for preserving dental tissue are presented and ample evidence highlights the need to seal with a quality restorative material. An update on how to conduct a randomized clinical trial is followed by a chapter on agreed upon terminology for supporting improved communication among oral health professionals around the world. This is a must-read for general practitioners, restorative specialists, dental students, and oral hygienists/therapists.
In this volume, some of the leading authorities present their exploration of applications of stem cell therapy to the treatment of major causes of blindness, including degenerative diseases and glaucoma. The diagnostic approach to patients, general concepts of cell-based therapy, immunological considerations, approaches to cell delivery (including engineered scaffolds), combined cell and gene therapy, nanomedicine applications to cell therapy and regulatory issues pertaining to manufacture and production are all considered in detail. The book serves as an excellent introduction to a field that is now entering early-stage clinical trials and promises to operate at the leading edge of regenerative medicine. Retina specialists, general ophthalmologists as well as
Heat shock proteins are a distinctive class of proteins that have evolved to cope with stress and to provide cellular defense against a wide range of cell injuries. Cellular stress responses include a transient rearrangement of functional activities in order to protect and maintain essential cellular functions. The science of stress responses in various renal diseases is a new and still evolving medical discipline which offers the prospect of new alternate therapeutic options. This publication provides basic information about the important role of stress proteins in several renal diseases, ranging from hypoxic injuries to fibrotic renal disorders and tumors. Each chapter is written in a clear but concise style and includes illustrations necessary to highlight
This publication is a record of some of the outstanding presentations given at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT). The meeting was held in Kobe in 2018, celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the founding of the JSDT as a voluntary academic association. Therapy for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) now faces vital issues besides the management of renal anemia and chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder and the selection of the optimal treatment modality for each patient. These issues include the increasing incidence of malnutrition and frailty in the elderly, fragile vascular access, and the balance between medical costs and budgets. Expert members of the JSDT present 15 articles that address these issues. This book
This new book reviews the latest advances in the embryology, genetics, diagnosis, imaging, and therapy of congenital heart disease. The international cast of authors has combined its talents to produce a unique, expert perspective. This publication arrives at a very exciting time when new genetic, imaging, and therapeutic developments are changing the field. It is relevant to pediatricians, internal medicine specialists, medical geneticists, both pediatric and adult cardiologists, embryologists, imaging physicians, and cardiac surgeons. The reader is taken on a journey that begins with a historical overview of congenital cardiovascular anomalies and ends with developments in stem cell and tissue engineering. In between are chapters on cardiac embryogenesis;
Based on the 8th International Symposium on Special Aspects of Radiotherapy held in Berlin in 2004, this volume discusses current controversial topics in the management of skin neoplasias with special emphasis on radiotherapeutic and dermatologic strategies. Following an interdisciplinary approach, it presents the latest diagnostic and therapeutic developments for cutaneous lymphoma, basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and malignant melanoma. Two further chapters focus on more uncommon tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. A detailed overview of skin reactions to radiotherapy is given, and new trends in staging procedures are discussed . In summary, this book will not only be a valuable update for dermatologists and radiation oncologists, but will
Over the past ten years tremendous progress has been achieved in corneal surgery. This volume - the 6th in the 'ESASO Course Series' - reflects the most relevant topics ranging from basic knowledge to the most advanced techniques. It covers the functional anatomy with medical and surgical management of the ocular surface, provides information on high-risk corneal transplantation and explains techniques such as corneal collagen crosslinking, femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Further contributions describe how to manage astigmatism after corneal transplantation as well as indications of intrastroma corneal ring segments (ICRS) in keratoconus. Well-known corneal and
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has become an important treatment modality in medical practice. New and exciting applications continue to emerge and the future of PDT looks brighter and brighter. Dermatologists and other health professionals around the world rely on its therapeutic effect for the treatment of actinic keratoses, non-melanoma skin cancers, acne vulgaris, and various other dermatologic conditions. In this comprehensive yet concise book, world-renowned experts showcase all of the common, everyday uses of PDT in dermatologic offices. They also examine how this beneficial therapy can be utilized to its full capacity. The considerable knowledge presented here renders this publication an indispensable resource for all dermatologists and health professionals who
