Drugs of Abuse, Immunomodulation, and Aids


Book Description

Introduction and Perspectives This volume represents the Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Symposium on Drugs of Abuse, Immunomodulation, and AIDS. The meeting was held in Nashville, Tennessee, June 12-14, 1997. In this symposium, as in the past, newer knowledge was reviewed concerning the relationship between the immune and the nervous systems with regard to the effects of drugs of abuse. This symposium focused on the relationship between the immune system and the nervous system with regard to the effects of drugs of abuse and infections such as the immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. As in the past symposia, presentations fo cused on the brain-immune axis from the viewpoint of drugs of abuse rather than from the subject of the brain or immunity alone. The aim of this series of conferences has been to clarify the consequences ofimmunomodulation induced by drugs of abuse on susceptibility and pathogenesis of infectious diseases, both in man and in various animal model systems. Recreational use of drugs of abuse, such as morphine, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as alcohol, by large numbers of individuals in this country and around the world has aroused serious concerns about the consequences of use of such drugs, especially on the normal physiological responses of an individual, including immune mechanisms. It is now widely known that many drugs of abuse, including marijuana, are used by millions ofindi viduals in this country and by even more abroad.




Drugs of Abuse, Immunity, and AIDS


Book Description

This volume is based on the program of the Second International Conference on Drugs of Abuse, Immunity and AIDS, held in Clearwater Beach, FL in June 1992. The Conference was supported in part by the University of South Florida College of MediCine with financial assistance from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The focus of this conference was the effects of drugs of abuse on immunity. It is now widely recognized that psychoactive drugs of abuse, including marijuana, cocaine, and opiates, as well as alcohol, have marked effects in an individual, including effects on their nervous system and behavior. In the past two decades, the scope of studies concerning the effects of some drugs of abuse have also involved investigations of alterations of various physiologic parameters including effects on the immune system. and the influence of such immune alterations on normal physiological responses. In this regard, participants in this Second International Conference provided newer information concerning both basic and clinical aspects of drugs of abuse and immunity, especially immunodeficiencies. In this regard, advances have been made in recent years concerning the nature and mechanisms whereby the immune system is regulated and the possible mechanisms by which drugs of abuse influence such immune systems. In particular, the emergence of psychoneuroimmunology as a new discipline the last decade has heightened interest in the immune responses influenced by psychoactive drugs. This has resulted in interdisciplinary investigations involving both clinical and basic scientists, including microbiologists, immunologists, physiologists, psychiatrists, oncologists, psychologists, etc.




Nutrition and HIV


Book Description

The world continues to lose more than a million lives each year to the HIV epidemic, and nearly two million individuals were infected with HIV in 2017 alone. The new Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by countries of the United Nations in September 2015, include a commitment to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Considerable emphasis on prevention of new infections and treatment of those living with HIV will be needed to make this goal achievable. With nearly 37 million people now living with HIV, it is a communicable disease that behaves like a noncommunicable disease. Nutritional management is integral to comprehensive HIV care and treatment. Improved nutritional status and weight gain can increase recovery and strength of individuals living with HIV/AIDS, improve dietary diversity and caloric intake, and improve quality of life. This book highlights evidence-based research linking nutrition and HIV and identifies research gaps to inform the development of guidelines and policies for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. A comprehensive approach that includes nutritional interventions is likely to maximize the benefit of antiretroviral therapy in preventing HIV disease progression and other adverse outcomes in HIV-infected men and women. Modification of nutritional status has been shown to enhance the quality of life of those suffering HIV/AIDS, both physically in terms of improved body mass index and immunological markers, and psychologically, by improving symptoms of depression. While the primary focus for those infected should remain on antiretroviral treatment and increasing its availability and coverage, improvement of nutritional status plays a complementary role in the management of HIV infection.




Alcohol, Drugs of Abuse, and Immune Functions


Book Description

Substance abusers are an immunocompromised population, vulnerable to a wide array of new and resurgent infectious diseases - in spite of modern treatment. For example, opportunistic infections like tuberculosis are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV positive patients. Alcohol- and drug-induced disorders are wide-ranging, gaining prominence as the spectrum of emerging diseases broadens. Alcohol, Drugs of Abuse, and Immune Functions reviews the role of these immunosuppressants as cofactors in disease. It covers the basic biology and immunology of impairments to defense against infectious disease. Alcohol and drug use is consistently associated with immunosuppression, although it isn't known if it is the substance itself, a metabolite, or an indirect effect that alters disease resistance. This text explores the advances toward answering this question, examines alcohol in different settings, its relationship to important cells, and the effects it can have on vital organs such as the liver and the lungs.




Marijuana and Medicine


Book Description

The medical use of marijuana is surrounded by a cloud of social, political, and religious controversy, which obscures the facts that should be considered in the debate. This book summarizes what we know about marijuana from evidence-based medicineâ€"the harm it may do and the relief it may bring to patients. The book helps the reader understand not only what science has to say about medical marijuana but also the logic behind the scientific conclusions. Marijuana and Medicine addresses the science base and the therapeutic effects of marijuana use for medical conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It covers marijuana's mechanism of action, acute and chronic effects on health and behavior, potential adverse effects, efficacy of different delivery systems, analysis of the data about marijuana as a gateway drug, and the prospects for developing cannabinoid drugs. The book evaluates how well marijuana meets accepted standards for medicine and considers the conclusions of other blue-ribbon panels. Full of useful facts, this volume will be important to anyone interested in informed debate about the medical use of marijuana: advocates and opponents as well as policymakers, regulators, and health care providers.




Drugs of Abuse and Immune Function


Book Description

This important publication provides up-to-date reviews using data from human patients and animal models. The goal is to understand the relationship between immunological modification by drugs of abuse and disease resistance. Examined are the major drugs of abuse and their effects on lymphoid cell function, numbers, development, and interactions. Also addressed are reviews of how ethanol, cocaine, morphine, and marijuana effect the immune function. The book includes evaluations of the relationship of immunomodulation by drugs of abuse on resistance to infectious diseases. This is critical to understanding how drugs modulate diseases and cancer development. This invaluable publication is important to those in biochemistry, physiology, chemistry, biology, immunology, cancer, medicine, pharmacology, microbiology, psychology, psychiatry, and additive studies. It is also of value to those in nutrition, pathology, pediatrics, family medicine, gerontology, surgery, sociology, and anatomy. Specialty groups, such as those in tropical medicine and public policy, will have a strong interest in the book. It is also of significant interest to organizations that deal with major numbers of patients using drugs of abuse and with their associated diseases including AIDS.




CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel


Book Description

THE ESSENTIAL WORK IN TRAVEL MEDICINE -- NOW COMPLETELY UPDATED FOR 2018 As unprecedented numbers of travelers cross international borders each day, the need for up-to-date, practical information about the health challenges posed by travel has never been greater. For both international travelers and the health professionals who care for them, the CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel is the definitive guide to staying safe and healthy anywhere in the world. The fully revised and updated 2018 edition codifies the U.S. government's most current health guidelines and information for international travelers, including pretravel vaccine recommendations, destination-specific health advice, and easy-to-reference maps, tables, and charts. The 2018 Yellow Book also addresses the needs of specific types of travelers, with dedicated sections on: · Precautions for pregnant travelers, immunocompromised travelers, and travelers with disabilities · Special considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees · Practical tips for last-minute or resource-limited travelers · Advice for air crews, humanitarian workers, missionaries, and others who provide care and support overseas Authored by a team of the world's most esteemed travel medicine experts, the Yellow Book is an essential resource for travelers -- and the clinicians overseeing their care -- at home and abroad.




Encyclopedia of AIDS


Book Description




Nutrition and Immunology


Book Description

It is a pleasure to write the foreword to Nutrition and Table 1 Nutritional Status and Outcome of Infection Immunology: Principles and Practice. In fact, this book comes at a timely moment, when the impact of nutrition and Definite adverse outcome immunology is being widely felt because of the AIDS epi Measles, diarrhea, tuberculosis demic. This is particularly of note in Africa, where large Probable adverse outcome HIV, malaria, pneumonia sums of money are being spent on nutritional intervention Little or no effect programs in the hopes of improving immune responsive Poliomyelitis, tetanus, viral encephalitis ness. We should not forget, however, early advances in our Note: HIV= human immunodeficiency virus understanding of protein energy malnutrition (PEM). PEM can be used as a model to understand the nutritional basis of immunity, as well as the immunological influences on nutri tional status. Despite advances in agricultural production, tance. However, both in vitro studies and tests in laboratory PEM continues to affect hundreds of millions ofthe world's animals may have little resemblance to what is experienced population. The functional impact of undernutrition varies in humans under field conditions. from mild morbidity to life-threatening infection.




Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery


Book Description

The oral board exam for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) can be intimidating to many surgeons due to the broad range of information one must know for the exam. However, while the examination guidelines provide a general outline of topics that may be covered, there is no true direction on how to prepare for it. Traditionally, candidates do so by using what are considered “underground” databanks, previous test questions, and power point presentations that run the gamut of commonly covered material. Until now, there have been no current comprehensive oral board review books available for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery boards. Oral Board Review for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery fills that gap as the go-to resource for those attempting to successfully challenge the oral boards and for residents to polish up on their training. Edited and authored by top physicians in the field, this book is concise and easy to read, yet thorough with high yield information. An outline of the pertinent material is reviewed, and a patient work up is presented. Important questions to ask, signs to look for, and labs/images to order are included. It also includes tables and keywords that are typically mentioned on the exam and also offers explanations to some key points. Next are cases, which are presented in a question and answer format. As the case progresses, more complicated scenarios requiring management are presented. Lastly, complications are covered, which is the final section of each board scenario. Included are basic topics the surgeon needs to know, followed by topics that are nice to know, and numerous highly debated/complex questions that are discussed among candidates preparing for the exam. It should be noted that the authors are not privy to any inside information about the exam. What is presented is material candidates that have successfully passed the exam feel is important to know. This book is not endorsed by American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons or the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.