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This book gathers selected high-quality research papers presented at the Ninth International Congress on Information and Communication Technology, held in London, on February 19–22, 2024. It discusses emerging topics pertaining to information and communication technology (ICT) for managerial applications, e-governance, e-agriculture, e-education and computing technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and e-mining. Written by respected experts and researchers working on ICT, the book offers an asset for young researchers involved in advanced studies. The work is presented in ten volumes.

This book reviews the etiology of major zoonotic diseases, their impact on human health, and control mechanisms for better management. It also examines factors influencing transmission, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of zoonotic diseases caused by different human pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and parasites. It also introduces zoonoses with a wildlife reservoir and discusses different transmission modes, and factors that influence the epidemiology of zoonoses. It further discusses the holistic strategies for the cost-effective prevention and control of these zoonoses. Towards the end, the book also discusses infections that have spread from non-human primates to humans and strategies to improve disease control and elimination. This book is very useful for students, academicians, and researchers of veterinary sciences, veterinary medicine, and, veterinary public health.

Sex/gender-specific medicine (SGM) is defined as the practice of medicine based on the understanding that biology and social roles are important in men and women for prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Current research demonstrates differences in disease incidence, symptomatology, morbidity, and mortality depending on sex and gender. Sex/gender-specific medicine is a fundamental aspect of tailored therapy and precision medicine. Therefore, the variables must be considered in medical education and practice as well as in research models ranging from human participants, animals and cells. This concept could be applied in the whole clinical areas from Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, and Rehabilitation, etc. Nowadays estrogen is known to play a key role in the prevention of colon cancer and in the resistant progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in women. This book covers the sex/gender-specific medicine in the whole clinical areas in the adults as well as in the pediatrics. In addition, research results of basic science are also introduced in the colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

This concise practical guide is designed to facilitate the clinical decision-making process in the management of atopic dermatitis by reviewing a number of cases and defining the various diagnostic and management decisions open to clinicians. It is well illustrated and diverse in scope, enabling the reader to obtain relevant information regarding both standard and unusual cases in a rapid, easy to digest format. Each case includes a narrative description and patient management tips along with a relevant board review question. This book covers exciting updates in the diagnosis and management of AD such atopic dermatitis spectrum disorder and the effects of internal vessel inflammation in AD patients. It also highlights the newest oral, biologic and topical therapies (along with pipeline therapies) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Clinical Cases in Atopic Dermatitis is a must-have resource for dermatologists, dermatology residents, fellows, medical students, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well as allergists and immunologists.

Endoscopic transorbital surgery of the orbit, skull base and brain is a new surgical discipline that has developed over the last decade out of a collaboration between otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons and oculoplastic surgeons. Tumors and other pathology of the skull base are some of the most difficult to approach and treat for surgeons since they lie at the interface of several traditional specialties, namely the eye, the paranasal sinuses and the brain. For this reason, no single surgical specialty is fully trained to independently reach this region, which requires collaborative approaches that are technically demanding and often long and arduous procedures. In the last decade, using the endoscopic techniques and instrumentation, otolaryngologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neurosurgeons, have together shown that the orbit can be used as a minimally disruptive corridor to reach the skull base lateral to the carotid artery as well as other areas that are difficult to access through transcranial or endonasal approaches. These approaches are now even being used to remove brain tumors involving the frontal and temporal lobes, including those that extend through the middle cranial fossa and into the posterior fossa, without visible external scars or the need for a traditional craniotomy. In addition, they have been used to clip aneurysms, treat seizure disorders, drain abscesses, repair CSF (brain fluid) leaks, and restore skull fractures – all without the additional risks, trauma and prolonged recovery of previous open surgical techniques. The literature is now demonstrating that these endoscopic procedures have comparable or improved safety compared to open surgery, while creating less collateral damage, and result in reduced patient stays. Due to their novelty, few surgeons have acquired the necessary experience, knowledge and expertise to introduce these approaches into their practice, yet due to their safety and efficacy they are rapidly becoming a critical skill set. This is the first text of its kind to codify and proliferate these new approaches more rapidly through the country and world, appealing to otolaryngologists, oculoplastic surgeons and neurosurgeons who deal with pathology involving the skull base.

This handbook is a practical guide covering pertinent topics in the specialty of Oral Medicine, which focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and management of local and systemic conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Each topic covers a specific disease or disorder with overarching emphasis on diseases presenting with oral mucosal involvement and orofacial pain conditions. Each topic is presented as a summary of key clinical information for quick reference prepared by leading experts in the field. This clinical guide will serve as a valuable resource for students and clinicians in practice.

This volume deals with the various fabrication techniques, surface functionalization and biomedical applications of polymeric fibers possessing different scale and structure. It provides an overview of fabrication techniques such as Co-axial, Centrifugal, Melt and Yarning to procure multiscale, tubular and layered fibrous scaffold employed for biomedical applications. The chapters in this volume discusse the surface/chemical functionalization of fibers which enhance the biological properties of the fibrous scaffolds as well as the development of hybrid, layered and external stimuli-responsive fibrous scaffolds that hold potential application in biosensor and other biomedical fields. In addition, recent advances and applications of polymeric multiscale fibers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and drug delivery are presented. The potential use of fibrous scaffolds in bone, neural, tendon/ligament and cardiac tissue engineering, nanofibers as an antimicrobial wound dressing, employed in cancer theragnostics and in the treatment of skin/periodontal infections are discussed. The volume provides expert knowledge on the fabrication techniques, development of different scale and hybrid structure fibers, surface functionalization, layered and external stimuli responsive fibrous scaffolds. It will be beneficial to material/biomaterials scientists, bioengineering and biotechnologists by providing a better understanding on the subject of the innovative applications of fibrous scaffolds in drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressings and regenerative medicine.

This book builds upon the first edition with new and improved chapters. The book explores the rich assemblage of clinical wisdom from expert rheumatologists from a wide range of specialties including Vasculitis and Sjogren's syndrome. It examines the nuggets or ‘pearls'of wisdom gained from collective clinical experience about the diagnosis or treatment of various diseases whilst also aiming to debunk myths that have influenced the practice of rheumatology by many clinicians. The second edition of A Clinician's Pearls and Myths in Rheumatology is a critical resource for both practitioners and students of rheumatology. This book provides a clear guide for those wishing to take a “deep dive” into the diagnostic and therapeutic elements of rheumatology.

Ocular surface diseases in children have not always been well understood and the literature in this age group is limited. The consequences of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis include visually significant scarring and amblyopia, thus with real impact on their quality of life and ultimate visual potential. Recently, there has been an increase in clinical and research focus on these diseases, contributing to a growing awareness of their importance to pediatric visual health. This book is the first comprehensive volume dedicated to pediatric ocular surface diseases. It provides an up-to-date and highly illustrated discussion of the pathophysiology, symptomatology and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of these less commonly understood diseases, in a format that is readily absorbed by trainees and seasoned physicians alike. The aim of this book is to provide a practical and detailed understanding of ocular surface disease in the pediatric population,as many of these corneal conditions in children require unique therapeutic approaches and may have subtle presentations. Chapters will address key issues, such as dry eye disease, Steven Johnson Syndrome and neurotrophic keratitis, that can have a profound impact on children's visual and social development. Pediatric Ocular Surface Disease is a must-have resource for pediatric ophthalmology fellows, cornea fellows, pediatric ophthalmologists, and cornea specialists.

This book provides an integrated review of the human ocular microbiome. It documents the discovery of ocular surface microbes by the conventional cultivable method and next generation sequencing technologies in both healthy and diseased (keratitis, uveitis, endophthalmitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis etc.) eyes. The book further discusses the confounding factors that influence the microbiome, mycobiome and virome. The chapters cover niche-specificity with reference to skin, eyelid- margin, hands etc. It highlights the concept of core genera, dysbiosis and discriminating genera and covers the functional relevance of the dysbiotic microbiome, mycobiome and virome with respect to ocular diseases. The book includes topics on the relevance of molecular mechanisms, including quorum-sensing and mucin metabolism to ocular disorders, such as dry eye; and, microbiome-based therapies for treating of ocular disorders like vernal keratoconjunctivitis. The book is essential for microbiologists studying the human eye, ophthalmologists treating eye infection and trauma. It also caters to students of medical microbiology and medicine.

This book answers questions about the critical role of ultrasound in the management of patients with Sjögren's syndrome. It also covers developments rheumatologists can foresee in performing a biopsy of the parotid gland. Each chapter is authored by experts on this condition, emphasizing the extent of current understanding and dealing with unanswered challenges and pitfalls. Topics such as modern imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI and their importance are given particular focus in this book; practitioners are increasingly using imaging techniques to refine diagnosis and guide clinical management. Additionally, as a significant emerging point of interest in the field, biopsy of the major salivary glands, particularly ultrasound-guided procedures, receives extra attention within the text. The book also includes a chapter that deals with future directions and will also review the challenges patients face with unmanaged Sjögren's syndrome. Comprehensive and concise, Sjögren's Syndrome and the Salivary Glands provides a balanced overview between the chapters and ensure homogeneity of the terminology.

Keeping up to date with advances in comprehensive ophthalmology and in the ophthalmic sub-specialties is extremely difficult because of the accelerating rapidity with which new information and technology become available and the diminishing time and opportunity for practitioners and trainees to read and learn. The first edition of Albert and Jakobiec's Principles and Practice (1994) was conceived with the idea of utilizing an electronic, updated version in which the chapters were revised by the chapter authors on an annual or semi-annual basis, but the technology was not sufficiently advanced to achieve this goal. Subsequent editions (2000 and 2008) were organized by Saunders and the last published by Elsevier (of which Springer has obtained the complete rights to move forward with the 4th edition). For nearly three decades, this text has provided its readers with authoritative and comprehensive coverage of clinical ophthalmology, written and edited by a group of authors who represented a “Who's Who” in ophthalmology. By using Springer's Meteor platform, with its ability to allow authors and editors access to updating their chapters online annually/semi-annually, and with the recruitment of select chapter authors, this work's usefulness as the standard text in ophthalmology will be maintained and expanded upon by Springer. The 4th edition of this comprehensive and authoritative text is written by hundreds of the most distinguished authorities from around the world and edited by four leaders in the field, providing today's best answers to every question that arises in ophthalmology practice. Richly illustrated with thousands of high quality, full color, clinically-relevant images, Albert and Jakobiec's Principles and Practice of Ophthalmology, 4th Edition covers every scientific and clinical principle in ophthalmology, ensuring that the reader will always be able to find the guidance needed to diagnose and manage patients'ocular problems and meet today's standards of care. Written for practicing ophthalmologists and trainees, this book delivers in-depth guidance on new diagnostic approaches, operative techniques, and treatment options, as well as coherent explanations of new scientific concept and its clinical importance. The 4th edition will prove to be the source every practicing clinician needs to efficiently and confidently overcome any clinical challenge they may face. Updates include new chapters on anterior and posterior segment diseases, as well as chapters more focused on treatment, plus thousands of new, high-quality, color images and illustrations, updated references, and information on the most cutting-edge technology used by clinicians in their practices today. Additionally, readers will enjoy the same, user-friendly, full-color design they remember from the previous edition, complete with many at-a-glance summary tables, algorithms, boxes, and diagrams that allow the reader to locate the assistance needed more rapidly than ever.

This book presents the clinical features, invasive and non-invasive modalities of diagnosis of conjunctival and corneal infections, especially atypical clinical situations in unusual cases of keratitis, and manage the disease entity. Infections of cornea continues to be the leading cause of ocular morbidity and blindness worldwide. Early diagnosis helps in better outcome. Proper understanding of the microbiological and clinical characteristics of this disease entity enables ophthalmologists to initiate appropriate therapy. Corneal infections, especially due to uncommon organisms, are difficult to diagnose and treat. With 17 chapters, this volume covers the entire spectrum of corneal and conjunctival infections. This is a quick go-to book for general as well as specialist ophthalmologists.

This book provides a thorough update on Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and its adverse impacts on oral health. The opening section focuses on the clinical and laboratory characteristics of SS and its current management. Here, readers will find information on diagnostic criteria, pharmacotherapy, dental management, and the importance of saliva in oral health and SS. Attention then turns to the immunopathogenesis of SS, which includes the mechanisms of secretory dysfunction, myoepithelial cell functions in salivary gland physiology and disease, dysregulated innate and adaptive immunity, and B-cell expansion and neoplasia. The final section details important advances in SS diagnosis and therapy. The differential diagnoses of recurrent glandular swelling, glandular irrigation and sialendoscopy, and salivary gland ultrasound for SS in children are explained, along with the pharmacological management for SS, clinical care for dry eyes, and gene therapy. This book will be of interest to notonly dental practitioners and researchers but also rheumatologists and pathologists.

This book is a comprehensive overview of blepharitis that covers the various types of this common and challenging entity.Concise and unique, chapters are clinically focused, providing an equal emphasis on the medical as well as surgical management of this condition. The book concludes with a look atfuture directions in the field as they pertain to diagnosis and management.Blepharitis is an invaluable reference written specifically for comprehensive ophthalmologists, cornea and external disease specialists, residents, fellows, and optometrists.

This book provides a concise and up-to-date review of key rheumatology topics along with extensive practice questions to assist in preparing for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Rheumatology Certification Exam.Each chapter focuses on a single disease and starts with a short review (primarily tables and figures) to highlight the main points and key issues. The review is followed by 10-20 board-style multiple choice questions with detailed explanations for each topic. The chapters and associated preparation questions are written by established experts from top institutions in the United States. The book concludes with a 50-question practice test reflecting the format used by the ABIM Board Certification Exam.Absolute Rheumatology Review is an essential resource for not only graduate students, residents, and fellows in rheumatology and internal medicine studying for board exams but also rheumatologists, physicians, and related professionals preparing for recertification.

The field of cornea has seen tremendous advances over the last 40 years—this uniquely comprehensive book will discuss the history of these advances, current best practices in important diseases of the cornea and ocular surface, and examine future directions in diagnosis and management. Written by leading experts, many of whom trained under Claes Henrik Dohlman, MD, PhD, whose influence and many invaluable contributions have defined and shaped the field of cornea, each chapter will reflect the state of the art in the various aspects of cornea. Foundations of Corneal Disease: Past, Present, and Future contains six different sections, opening with an introduction which delves into the evolution of subspecialty training in cornea, and provides a historical perspective of our understanding of ocular surface disease. Section Two addresses perspectives on important corneal and external diseases including infectious keratitis, dry eye, and herpes simplex. SectionThree and Section Four address surgery and surgical alternatives, and frontiers in corneal research. Section Six closes this book with a discussion of special topics: imaging the cornea, corneal blindness, eye banking, and clinical trials in dry eye, and explores future directions in this fast-paced field. Foundations of Corneal Disease: Past, Present, and Future contains is an ideal guide for corneal specialists, ophthalmology residents and fellows planning to enter cornea, corneal scientists, and to those in ophthalmology and visual science interested in a comprehensive resource on cornea and the history of this field.

This book discusses the unique epidemiology of fungal infections in Asia, illustrating that the situation in these countries is different from that in Western countries in terms of the causative species, natural history and management strategies. Asia, the world's largest continent and home to more than half the global population, has conditions that favor the growth of many fungi, including a number of unique species. Further, socio-economic conditions such as overcrowding, compromised health care facilities and lack of awareness add to the morbidity and mortality due to fungal diseases in this part of the world. Since the majority of Asian countries do not have good diagnostic mycology laboratories, antifungal management is often based on experience. The limited data from Asian countries suggest a very high incidence of fungal infections. This book addresses epidemiology of fungal infections in general and specific populations of Asia, fungal allergy, and diagnosis and management in resource-limited environments. The book is must read for busy clinicians, microbiologists and critical care providers.

Unmet healthcare needs of young populations and individuals in suboptimal health conditions are the key issue of currently observed epidemics of non-communicable disorders. Moreover, an unprecedented decrease in the average age of onset of these disorders is recorded. The majority of non-communicable disorders carry a chronic character by progressing over a couple of years from a reversible suboptimal health condition to irreversible pathology with collateral complications. The time-frame between both conditions is the operational area for predictive diagnosis and identification of persons at risk by innovative screening programmes followed by the most cost-effective personalised treatment possible, namely primary prevention tailored to the person.The book propagates the paradigm change from delayed, costly but frequently ineffective medical services to the holistic approach by predictive, preventive and personalised medicine clearly demonstrating multifaceted benefits tothe individual, healthcare sector and society as a whole.The book is focused on the needs ofyoung people: teenagers, adolescents and young adults; regardless of the age, individuals in suboptimal health conditions, who are interested in remaining healthy by optimising their modifiable risk factors – both endogenous and exogenous ones;several patient cohorts demonstrating similar phenotype of Flammer syndrome.The book is based on the multi-professional expertise, scientific excellence and practical experiences of the world-acknowledged experts in Flammer syndrome, predictive diagnostics, targeted prevention and personalised medicine, amongst others. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to general practitioners, experts in non-communicable diseases, phenotyping, genotyping, multilevel diagnostics, targeted prevention, personalised medicine, as well as the readers interested in advancing their health literacy.

This book shares the latest research and practice-oriented findings in medical sciences with a wide audience. It addresses a range of contemporary issues, often unresolved or contentious, across various medical fields, including advances in the management of hemorrhagic brain stroke. It also discusses metastatic renal cell carcinoma – a global scourge with an extremely poor long-term survival prognosis, the course and sequelae of renal cell carcinoma, as well as advances in targeted molecular therapy with sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Further, it examines the molecular targeting of proliferative signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Other articles cover clearance of toxins in hemodialyzed patients; the search for diagnostic and therapeutic markers in the connective tissue disease scleroderma; obesity linked to inappropriate dietary habit; clinical problems related to the diagnosis of sensitization to fungi and its role in asthma; and reasons for the perilous trend of avoiding basic vaccinations in children. Lastly, the book explores the rapid developments in e-health technologies that increase access to health services, particularly for the elderly. The book is intended for clinical specialists, researchers, and all allied health professionals from various fields.

The diversity of procedures that characterize modern refractive surgery makes it, both for the beginner and the experienced surgeon, necessary to have well established guidelines to face refractive complications. This lavishly illustrated guide is written by international opinion leaders with extensive experience in the practice of refractive surgery. It offers the reader practical pearls to the solution and prevention of the different complications of corneal and refractive surgery.This book provides ophthalmic surgeons with appropriate solutions for the most frequent problems they would face in their daily practice. Surgical complications are described and illustrated from their pathogenesis to various treatment modalities. Complications covered include: Intraoperative complications (e.g. those encountered during femtosecond laser, SMILE and LASIK, corneal refractive surgery, refractive lens exchange, and intraocular refractive procedures); early post-operative complications and late post-operative complications.

Using a case-based format to help disseminate some of the hard-to-find information on ocular surface disease, this book is written and edited by leaders in this rapidly evolving field. Each chapter is built around three actual patient cases with varying degrees of complexity whereby detailed aspects of the care are described in order to provide practical information and illustrate real world challenges. Ocular Surface Disease covers the most common disorders, ranging from dry eye disease and tear film insufficiency to the more severe cicatricial diseases. The role and application of both medical and surgical treatments are carefully explained. The book is intended for ophthalmologists, both in practice or in training, who are seeking an update on the more advanced clinical practices

This unique book will provide readers with an understanding of innovative models of delivering both primary and secondary eye care, focusing not just on providing quality care itself, but on best practices to provide and strengthen comprehensive eye care services. A wide variety of conditions will be addressed in Innovative Approaches in the Delivery of Primary and Secondary Eye Care, including childhood blindness, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, and refractive errors. Detailed descriptions of various models are presented for each condition, which are then followed by a discussion for incorporating integrated eye care services; highlighting the importance of health system approach in comprehensive eye care. Finally, this book provides detailed strategies to address the current practical challenges related to human resources in eye care, and methods to ensure financial sustainability in the delivery of comprehensive care. Each chapter is illustrated for understanding and clarity, and provides easy-to-read tables to further enrich the text. Covering existing models of delivering care, with a look to the future, Innovative Approaches in the Delivery of Primary and Secondary Eye Care is designed for practicing ophthalmologists, residents, public health specialists and all other affiliated professionals dedicated to strengthening avenues of integrated, comprehensive eye care.

This comprehensive book thoroughly covers the spectrum of rhinitis conditions and related comorbidities. Rhinitis and Related Upper Respiratory Conditions is a unique resource that delivers essential clinical information, addressing the varying patient populations which might be encountered in different types of clinical settings. Chapters range from topics such as pediatric, adult, geriatric, and occupational rhinitis, while also covering the full array of rhinitis subtypes and their complications. Later chapters address secondary causes of rhinitis such as systemic diseases manifesting as rhinitis, drug-induced rhinitis, and CSF leak. Written by experts in the field, every chapter is structured to contain clinical cases which illustrate the typical patient presentation, and their diagnostic work-up and treatment, providing the knowledge needed to further improve diagnosis and care for the patient with rhinitis. Rhinitis and Related Upper Respiratory Conditions is an ideal resource for allergists, primary care physicians, and health care extenders, to help them recognize and further improve care of patients with rhinitis.

There are many principles and applications of recombinant antibodies for infectious diseases. The preferred technology associated to recombinant antibody generation is mainly phage display. The adaptation of antibodies for infectious diseases is an area lacking information as most literature is focused on oncology or autoimmunity. This project highlights the power and potential of antibody phage display for infectious diseases. In addition to that, supplementary information regarding technologies associated to antibody generation and engineering in the context of infectious disease will also help to provide greater insight to the potential of recombinant antibodies for infectious diseases.

Fungal infections have taken a new spectrum due to the increased incidence of multi-drug resistant fungal pathogens. Freedom of choice for drugs to treat fungal infections is also narrow because of lesser probability of discovering drugs that would bypass affecting human cells and target fungal cells producing fewer side effects in patients. An approach has gained prominence in research is to look for bioactive antifungal compounds from natural to synthetic sources. It is necessary to discover new classes of antifungals to control the recent emergence of multi-drug resistant fungal infections. This book proposed a details top to bottom outline of antifungal compounds derived naturally or synthetically. The details of their modifications or synthetic analogues have been described, helpful to understand the structure-activity relationship which leads to new compound development in antifungal chemotherapy. Each chapter begins with a comprehensive, top-bottom in-depth discussion of antifungal agents with updated bibliographic references. This compendium will serve as a companion not only for Scientists, Researchers, and Professors, Medical Practitioners but also a valuable reference text for the university students.

Clinical Mycology offers a comprehensive review of this discipline. Organized by types of fungi, this volume covers microbiologic, epidemiologic and demographic aspects of fungal infections as well as diagnostic, clinical, therapeutic, and preventive approaches. Special patient populations are also detailed.

Engineered antibodies currently represent over 30% of biopharmaceuticals in clinical trials and their total worldwide sales continue to increase significantly. The importance of antibody applications is reflected in their increasing clinical and industrial applications as well as in the progression of established and emerging production strategies. This volume provides detailed coverage of the generation, optimization, characterization, production and applications of antibody. It provides the necessary theoretical background and description of methods for the expression of antibody in microbial and animal cell cultures and in transgenic animals and plants. There is a strong focus on those issues related to the production of intrabodies, bispecific antibody and antibody fragments and also to novel applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease: From Bench to Bedside is a detailed and comprehensive story of the local and systemic pathophysiology of intestinal inflammation including management strategies. Research advances and current concepts of etiopathogenesis in the context of what is already known of the clinicopathologic features of these disorders are explored. This volume blends recent advances in the basic and clinical sciences as they relate to inflammatory bowel disease and emphasizes the effectiveness of a team approach of basic scientists and clinician investigators in this field.