Promoting Health, Preventing Disease The Economic Case


Book Description

A growing body of evidence from economic studies shows areas where appropriate policies can generate health and other benefits at an affordable cost, sometimes reducing health expenditure and helping to redress health inequalities at the same time.




Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases


Book Description

Discover how the application of novel multidisciplinary, integrative approaches and technologies are dramatically changing our understanding of the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and their treatments. Each article presents the state of the science, with a strong emphasis on new and emerging medical applications. The Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases is organized into five parts. The first part examines current threats such as AIDS, malaria, SARS, and influenza. The second part addresses the evolution of pathogens and the relationship between human genetic diversity and the spread of infectious diseases. The next two parts highlight the most promising uses of molecular identification, vector control, satellite detection, surveillance, modeling, and high-throughput technologies. The final part explores specialized topics of current concern, including bioterrorism, world market and infectious diseases, and antibiotics for public health. Each article is written by one or more leading experts in the field of infectious diseases. These experts place all the latest findings from various disciplines in context, helping readers understand what is currently known, what the next generation of breakthroughs is likely to be, and where more research is needed. Several features facilitate research and deepen readers' understanding of infectious diseases: Illustrations help readers understand the pathogenesis and diagnosis of infectious diseases Lists of Web resources serve as a gateway to important research centers, government agencies, and other sources of information from around the world Information boxes highlight basic principles and specialized terminology International contributions offer perspectives on how infectious diseases are viewed by different cultures A special chapter discusses the representation of infectious diseases in art With its multidisciplinary approach, this encyclopedia helps point researchers in new promising directions and helps health professionals better understand the nature and treatment of infectious diseases.




Ticks of Trinidad and Tobago - an Overview


Book Description

Ticks of Trinidad and Tobago: An Overview explores tick species prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), their distribution, associated pathogens, their effects on the host, and control methods. The book also reviews the basic biology of ticks. Ticks are known to parasitize a wide range of hosts including mammals, reptiles and birds. These parasites are of veterinary and public health significance since they are responsible for the spread of a number of pathogens to humans and animals. Worldwide, ticks are responsible for billions of dollars in losses in the livestock industry annually due to the effects of these pathogens. Based on review of the literature from more than five decades, twenty-three species of both hard and soft tick have been discovered on the twin-island republic with a greater number of species in Trinidad. Tick genera observed and recorded included Argas, Ornithodoros, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus species. The tick species found in Trinidad and Tobago parasitize both wild and domestic species. Hosts include bats, fowl, equids, wild and domestic ruminants, birds, rodents, marsupials, and a variety of reptiles such as toads, tortoises, and snakes. Based on geographical location, most tick species discovered in T&T have also been recorded in other Caribbean islands in the archipelago, North, Central and South America. Both soft and hard tick species found in T&T have also been implicated in a number of blood-borne pathogens including Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, Rickettsia, and Anaplasma. - Examines the biology of tick species on hosts endemic to Trinidad and Tobago - Provides pictorial keys - Facilitates identification, prevention, and control of tick-borne diseases in the tropical region - Assists with diagnosing tick-borne diseases




Viruses in Foods


Book Description

This is the first book to focus entirely on viruses in foods. It collates information on the occurrence, detection, transmission, and epidemiology of viruses in various foods. Although methods for bacterial detection in food are available, methods for detection of viruses in food, with the exception of shellfish, are not available. It is important, therefore, to develop methods for direct examination of food for viruses and to explore alternate indicators that can accurately reflect the virological quality of food. This book addresses these issues along with strategies for the prevention and control of viral contamination of food.




Mapping Russia's Natural Focal Diseases


Book Description

This book is the first scientific publication on diseases caused by agents circulating in natural environments independently from humans, covering the whole territory of the Russian Federation. It contains diverse and multifaceted information, both in textual and cartographic form. The book focuses on the historical and current distribution of natural-focal diseases in Russia, epidemiological aspects, natural and socio-economic determinants conducing natural foci. With a series of maps this book depicts population morbidity rates in particular regions and on a national level for the 21st century. With numerous color illustrations this book appeals to a wide audience and is of particular interest to geographers, environmental workers, epidemiologists and other specialists interested in environmental and public health issues.




Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests - E-Book


Book Description

This new edition of Norbert Tietz's classic handbook presents information on common tests as well as rare and highly specialized tests and procedures - including a summary of the utility and merit of each test. Biological variables that may affect test results are discussed, and a focus is placed on reference ranges, diagnostic information, clinical interpretation of laboratory data, interferences, and specimen types. New and updated content has been added in all areas, with over 100 new tests added. - Tests are divided into 8 main sections and arranged alphabetically. - Each test includes necessary information such as test name (or disorder) and method, specimens and special requirements, reference ranges, chemical interferences and in vivo effects, kinetic values, diagnostic information, factors influencing drug disposition, and clinical comments and remarks. - The most current and relevant tests are included; outdated tests have been eliminated. - Test index (with extensive cross references) and disease index provide the reader with an easy way to find necessary information - Four new sections in key areas (Preanalytical, Flow Cytometry, Pharmacogenomics, and Allergy) make this edition current and useful. - New editor Alan Wu, who specializes in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this edition. - The Molecular Diagnostics section has been greatly expanded due to the increased prevalence of new molecular techniques being used in laboratories. - References are now found after each test, rather than at the end of each section, for easier access.




Multiple Stressors: A Challenge for the Future


Book Description

Ecotoxiclogical risk from multiple stressors covers any situation where org- isms are exposed to a combination of environmental stressors. These include physical and chemical pollutants as well as other stressors such as parasites and environmental impact (e. g. , climate change or habitat loss). The combi- tion of stressors can result in increased risk to organisms (either additive or synergistic effects) or decreased effects (protective or antagonistic effects). The multiple stressor challenge is an international, multi-disciplinary problem requiring an international, multi-disciplinary approach. The c- rent approach to multiple stressors is to examine one stressor at a time and assume additivity. Little work has been done on combinations of stressors such that potential interactions can be determined. The problem is very complex. Multiple stressors pose a whole spectrum of challenges that range from basic science to regulation, policy and gove- ance. The challenges raise fundamental questions about our understanding of the basic biological response to stressors, as well as the implications of those uncertainties in environmental risk assessment and management. In addition to the great breadth, there is also great depth in the research ch- lenges, largely due to the complexity of the issues. From a basic science point of view, many of the mechanisms and processes under investigation are at the cutting edge of science — involving new paradigms such as genomic ins- bility and bystander effects.




Movement Disorder Emergencies


Book Description

Movement Disorder Emergencies: Diagnosis and Treatment provides a fresh and unique approach to what is already a high-profile subspecialty area in clinical neurology. The disorders covered in this volume are standard fare in the field but emphasize the urgencies and emergencies that can occur. One of the very attractive features of the field of movement disorders is that diagnosis is often based on unique visible and sometimes audible phenomenological symptoms and signs. Therefore, in this era of highly sophisticated laboratory and radiological diagnostic tools, the diagnosis of many movement disorders is still largely made in the clinic where pattern recognition is key. Crucial to astute clinical diagnosis is broad clinical experience. In short, you have to have seen one to recognize one! Patients with movement disorders nearly always present as outpatients but, as aptly recognized by Drs. Frucht and Fahn, this may include acute manifestations leading to emergency presentations, often in an emergency room setting, where they are very likely to be unrecognized and therefore poorly managed. The authors define an “emergency” movement disorder as one in which failure to promptly diagnose and treat may result in significant morbidity or mortality. However, they also stress the importance of certain “can’t miss” diagnoses such as Wilson’s disease, dopa-responsive dystonia, and Whipple’s disease in which delayed diagnosis in less emergent situations can lead to slowly evolving and often irreversible neurological damage with tragic consequences.




The Magic Words


Book Description

A 1,000 year old Hawaiian lifestyle makes its way into the 21st century. This practice was outlawed and no longer allowed to be practiced openly. But it was kept alive by the kahuna (wisdom keepers) and has evolved into what it is today, a personalized version of ho'oponopono, the ancient Hawaiian healing practice of forgiveness and retribution. The Magic Words: love, humility, compassion, and gratitude. The Magic Words describes in great detail how to best use them and apply them to your life to bring you to a place of Peace, Joy, and Happiness.How is it that these four statements are changing lives across the planet? What is behind it all? Is it just some spiritual woo-woo designed to help people feel better in the moment? Another panacea? Or is it for real and is actually working and changing lives and healing chronic illnesses?Rest assured, it is very real!!!. The Magic Words takes a deep dive into the inner workings of ho'oponopono to explain it from the spiritual, scientific, metaphysical, psychological, and quantum physics perspectives. We will look at the science of neuroplasticity, the neuroscience of creativity as well as the neuroscience of chronic pain. When we begin to understand how it works and why, it becomes easier to put it into practical use in our every-day lives.The Magic Words walks us through numerous life experiences and shows how to apply ho'oponopono for more positive, loving results along with case studies of healing chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, relationships, addiction, etc. If someone tells you "Just get over it." or "Just let it go." or "Just love it." "How do I do that, how do I just let go?""I don't know, you just do it."Once we learn how, we begin to understand the magic in the words.