Cachexia may well represent the flip side of the tremendous achievements of modern medicine. The aim of this volume, written by world-renowned scientists, is to provide the best available evidence on the pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutic approach of cachexia, and to facilitate the understanding of the complex yet unequivocal clinical role of this syndrome, that truly represents a disease, or, more likely, a disease within other different diseases.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting patients receiving treatment for cancer. Carefully considered nutritional options can help to manage patients with weight loss and cachexia, support the patient’s ability to recover from surgery and cope with treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients living with and beyond cancer can also benefit from advice on optimal nutrition and lifestyle changes. Edited by Dr Clare Shaw, Consultant Dietitian at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Nutrition and Cancer takes an unrivalled look at this prevalent disease, offering the reader: An insight into the nutritional challenges faced for patients with cancer A practical guide to nutrition and dietetic practice in cancer care A detailed look at nutritional options for different diagnostic groups Contributions from a wide range of cancer specialists An excellent resource for dietitians, clinical nutritionists, doctors, nurses and other health professionals working with cancer patients, this book is also a fascinating reference for students and researchers with an interest in the area.
Frailty is considered a multisystem impairment that makes an individual vulnerable to external or internal stressors. Sarcopenia, the age-dependent loss of muscle mass and function, is proposed as the biological substrate and the pathway whereby the consequences of physical frailty develop. These syndromes are associated with a negative impact in quality of life and can lead to the occurrence of disability, institutionalization, and even mortality. The book focuses upon all the related aspects of frailty and sarcopenia and the new advancements in the related treatments including complex issues and research. It includes high-quality chapters in all related aspects for the syndromes of sarcopenia and frailty, which adversely affect the function and overall effectiveness of the musculoskeletal system and interventions to promote rehabilitation.
Encyclopedia of Bone Biology, Three Volume Set covers hot topics from within the rapidly expanding field of bone biology and skeletal research, enabling a complete understanding of both bone physiology and its relation to other organs and pathophysiology. This encyclopedia will serve as a vital resource for those involved in bone research, research in other fields that cross link with bone, such as metabolism and immunology, and physicians who treat bone diseases. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers from advanced undergraduate students to research professionals. Chapters also explore the latest advances and hot topics that have emerged in recent years, including the Hematopoietic Niche and Nuclear Receptors. In the electronic edition, each chapter will include hyperlinked references and further readings as well as cross-references to related articles. Incorporates perspectives from experts working within the domains of biomedicine, including physiology, pathobiology, pharmacology, immunology, endocrinology, orthopedics and metabolism Provides an authoritative introduction for non-specialists and readers from undergraduate level upwards, as well as up-to-date foundational content for those familiar with the field Includes multimedia features, cross-references and color images/videos
Some of the most serious consequences of aging are its effects on skeletal muscle. ‘Sarcopenia’, the progressive age-related loss of muscle mass and associated muscle weakness, renders frail elders susceptible to serious injury from sudden falls and fractures and at risk for losing their functional independence. Not surprisingly, sarcopenia is a significant public health problem throughout the developed world. There is an urgent need to better understand the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying age-related muscle wasting and to develop therapeutic strategies that can attenuate, prevent, or ultimately reverse sarcopenia. Significant research and development in academic and research institutions and in pharmaceutical companies is being directed to sarcopenia and to related health issues in order to develop and evaluate novel therapeutics. This book provides the latest information on sarcopenia from leading international researchers studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-related changes in skeletal muscle and identifies strategies to combat sarcopenia and related muscle wasting conditions and neuromuscular disorders. The book provides a vital resource for researchers and practitioners alike, with information relevant to gerontologists, geriatricians, sports medicine physicians, physiologists, neuroscientists, cell biologists, endocrinologists, physical therapists, allied health and musculoskeletal practitioners, strength and conditioning specialists, athletic trainers, and students of the medical and biomedical sciences.
This book is dedicated to the fundamental clinical signs of astute observation, careful differential diagnosis and analytical therapeutic decision-making in emergency veterinary settings. It clearly defines the physiological and clinical principles fundamental to the management of the critically ill small animal patient. With clear guidelines for organizing an emergency/critical care unit, the book also discusses ethical and legal concerns. The 80 expert authors have created a clinically specific resource for the specialist, residents in training, veterinary practitioners, technicians and students.Published by Teton New Media in the USA and distributed by CRC Press outside of North America.
A link between inflammation and cancer has been established many years ago, yet it is only recently that the potential significance of this connection has become apparent. Although several examples of chronic inflammatory conditions, often induced by persistent irritation and/or infection, developing into cancer have been known for some time, there has been a notable resistance to contemplate the possibility that this association may apply in a causative way to other cancers. Examples for such progression from chronic inflammation to cancer are colon carcinoma developing with increased frequency in patients with ulcerative colitis, and the increased incidence of bladder cancer in patients suffering from chronic Schistosoma infection. Inflammation and cancer have been recognized to be linked in another context for many years, i.e., with regards to pathologies resembling chronic lacerations or 'wounds that do not heal.' More recently, the immunology of wound healing has given us clues as to the mechanistic link between inflammation and cancer, in as much as wounds and chronic inflammation turn off local cell-mediated immune responses and switch on growth factor release as well the growth of new blood vessels - angiogenesis. Both of these are features of most types of tumours, which suggest that tumours may require an immunologically shielded milieu and a growth factor-rich environment.
Some people suffer from chronic, debilitating disorders for which no conventional treatment brings relief. Can marijuana ease their symptoms? Would it be breaking the law to turn to marijuana as a medication? There are few sources of objective, scientifically sound advice for people in this situation. Most books about marijuana and medicine attempt to promote the views of advocates or opponents. To fill the gap between these extremes, authors Alison Mack and Janet Joy have extracted critical findings from a recent Institute of Medicine study on this important issue, interpreting them for a general audience. Marijuana As Medicine? provides patientsâ€"as well as the people who care for themâ€"with a foundation for making decisions about their own health care. This empowering volume examines several key points, including: Whether marijuana can relieve a variety of symptoms, including pain, muscle spasticity, nausea, and appetite loss. The dangers of smoking marijuana, as well as the effects of its active chemical components on the immune system and on psychological health. The potential use of marijuana-based medications on symptoms of AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and several other specific disorders, in comparison with existing treatments. Marijuana As Medicine? introduces readers to the active compounds in marijuana. These include the principal ingredient in Marinol, a legal medication. The authors also discuss the prospects for developing other drugs derived from marijuana's active ingredients. In addition to providing an up-to-date review of the science behind the medical marijuana debate, Mack and Joy also answer common questions about the legal status of marijuana, explaining the conflict between state and federal law regarding its medical use. Intended primarily as an aid to patients and caregivers, this book objectively presents critical information so that it can be used to make responsible health care decisions. Marijuana As Medicine? will also be a valuable resource for policymakers, health care providers, patient counselors, medical faculty and studentsâ€"in short, anyone who wants to learn more about this important issue.
SARCOPENIA An in-depth examination of sarcopenia’s underexplored yet widespread impact within the field of gerontology Sarcopenia is common in older men and women, and yet awareness of its clinical relevance is still relatively low. Only formally included in the International Classification of Diseases in 2016, the condition may impact societies with serious health-related and financial consequences unless consistent, effective methods of identification and management are adopted. This second edition of Sarcopenia provides geriatricians and other healthcare professionals with a revised and expanded examination of this understudied and underdiagnosed condition. Edited by two leading authorities on the subject, it covers the epidemiology and diagnosis of sarcopenia, as well as treatment options and possible prevention strategies. Eight newly written chapters build upon existing knowledge with fresh data on topics including sarcopenia’s biomarkers and its impact on the healthcare economy. This important text: Defines sarcopenia and explains its clinical relevance Covers all recent scientific evidence Outlines treatment options Considers prevention strategies Discusses sarcopenia as a public health priority Features eight new chapters covering topics such as sarcopenia’s clinical management, its biomarkers, and its financial impact Containing vital information for clinicians and other professionals working in geriatric care, nursing homes, nutrition, cancer, endocrinology, surgery, sports medicine and many other specialties, Sarcopenia, second edition, is a groundbreaking and essential new resource.
Although a wealth of information can be found scattered throughout periodicals and research papers, tracking down the most effective treatment for a heterogeneous syndrome such as cachexia can be problematic. Edited by experts in the field, with contributions from a multidisciplinary panel, Pharmacotherapy of Cachexia is the first book devoted sole