Treating Infectious Diseases in a Microbial World

Treating Infectious Diseases in a Microbial World
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 102
Release: 2006-01-03
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309180686

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. This report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. The report concludes that the development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic.

New Treatments for Addiction

New Treatments for Addiction
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2004-06-03
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309166659

New and improved therapies to treat and protect against drug dependence and abuse are urgently needed. In the United States alone about 50 million people regularly smoke tobacco and another 5 million are addicted to other drugs. In a given year, millions of these individuals attemptâ€"with or without medical assistanceâ€"to quit using drugs, though relapse remains the norm. Furthermore, each year several million teenagers start smoking and nearly as many take illicit drugs for the first time. Research is advancing on promising new means of treating drug addiction using immunotherapies and sustained-release (depot) medications. The aim of this research is to develop medications that can block or significantly attenuate the psychoactive effects of such drugs as cocaine, nicotine, heroin, phencyclidine, and methamphetamine for weeks or months at a time. This represents a fundamentally new therapeutic approach that shows promise for treating drug addiction problems that were difficult to treat in the past. Despite their potential benefits, however, several characteristics of these new methods pose distinct behavioral, ethical, legal, and social challenges that require careful scrutiny. Such issues can be considered unique aspects of safety and efficacy that are fundamentally related to the distinct nature and properties of these new types of medications.

The Innate Immune Response to Noninfectious Stressors

The Innate Immune Response to Noninfectious Stressors
Author: Massimo Amadori
Publisher: Academic Press
Total Pages: 278
Release: 2016-02-23
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0128019743

The Innate Immune Response to Non-infectious Stressors: Human and Animal Models highlights fundamental mechanisms of stress response and important findings on how the immune system is affected, and in turn affects such a response. In addition, this book covers the crucial link between stress response and energy metabolism, prompts a re-appraisal of some crucial issues, and helps to define research priorities in this fascinating, somehow elusive field of investigation. - Provides insights into the fundamental homeostatic processes vis-à-vis stressors to help in investigation - Illustrates the depicted tenets and how to offset them against established models of response to physical and psychotic stressors in both animals and humans - Covers the crucial issue of the immune response to endocrine disruptors - Includes immunological parameters as reporter system of environmental adaptation - Provides many illustrative examples to foster reader understanding

CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel

CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel
Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 705
Release: 2017-04-17
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0190628634

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.

Safety of Biologics Therapy

Safety of Biologics Therapy
Author: Brian A. Baldo
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 623
Release: 2016-08-12
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3319304720

This long overdue title provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, state-of-the art review of approved biologic therapies, with coverage of mechanisms of action, Indications for therapy, immunogenicity and a detailed examination of adverse effects and safety of the many and diverse therapeutic agents presented in a total of 13 chapters. It is predicted that by 2016, biologics will make up half of the world's 20 top-selling drugs and by 2018, biologic medicine sales will account for almost half of the world's 100 biggest selling drugs. Recombinant proteins dominate the growing list of the more than 200 approved biotherapeutic agents with targeted antibodies, fusion proteins and receptors; cytokines; hormones; enzymes; proteins involved in blood-clotting, homeostasis and thrombosis; vaccines; botulinum neurotoxins; and, more recently, biosimilar preparations, comprising the majority of approved biologics. Written with clinicians, other health care professionals, and researchers in mind, Safety of Biologics Therapy examines, in a single volume, the full range of issues surrounding the safety of approved biologic therapies. A good understanding of the risks and safety issues of modern biologics therapy is increasingly being demanded of all those connected with their development, handling, prescribing, administration and subsequent patient management. In addition to being of great value to clinicians in all branches of medicine, and to nurses, pharmacists and researchers, this book will prove invaluable for students taking undergraduate and graduate courses in the above disciplines and in the biomedical sciences.

Opportunities in Biotechnology for Future Army Applications

Opportunities in Biotechnology for Future Army Applications
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 118
Release: 2001-07-11
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309075556

This report surveys opportunities for future Army applications in biotechnology, including sensors, electronics and computers, materials, logistics, and medical therapeutics, by matching commercial trends and developments with enduring Army requirements. Several biotechnology areas are identified as important for the Army to exploit, either by direct funding of research or by indirect influence of commercial sources, to achieve significant gains in combat effectiveness before 2025.

History of Vaccine Development

History of Vaccine Development
Author: Stanley A. Plotkin
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2011-05-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1441913394

Vaccinology, the concept of a science ranging from the study of immunology to the development and distribution of vaccines, was a word invented by Jonas Salk. This book covers the history of the methodological progress in vaccine development and to the social and ethical issues raised by vaccination. Chapters include "Jenner and the Vaccination against Smallpox," "Viral Vaccines," and "Ethical and Social Aspects of vaccines." Contributing authors include pioneers in the field, such as Samuel L. Katz and Hilary Koprowski. This history of vaccines is relatively short and many of its protagonists are still alive. This book was written by some of the chief actors in the drama whose subject matter is the conquest of epidemic disease.

Anthrax in Humans and Animals

Anthrax in Humans and Animals
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 219
Release: 2008
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9241547537

This fourth edition of the anthrax guidelines encompasses a systematic review of the extensive new scientific literature and relevant publications up to end 2007 including all the new information that emerged in the 3-4 years after the anthrax letter events. This updated edition provides information on the disease and its importance, its etiology and ecology, and offers guidance on the detection, diagnostic, epidemiology, disinfection and decontamination, treatment and prophylaxis procedures, as well as control and surveillance processes for anthrax in humans and animals. With two rounds of a rigorous peer-review process, it is a relevant source of information for the management of anthrax in humans and animals.

Bacterial Vaccines

Bacterial Vaccines
Author: Fadil Bidmos
Publisher: Humana
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2022-12-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781071619025

The importance of vaccines to combat bacterial diseases cannot be overstated. Methods used in the development and testing of these vaccines are evolving rapidly as a direct consequence of the availability of advanced technologies. This volume will cover methods developed in the last decade, the usage of which are enabling the development of cheaper, cost-effective and structurally stable vaccines for global use. Chapters cover in silico analytical methods such as reverse vaccinology and machine learning; low-energy electron irradiation for the generation of inactivated bacterial vaccines; methods for assessment of OMV/GMMA quality and stability; and controlled human infection models. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Bacterial Vaccines: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for novice and expert researchers interested in learning more about this important and constantly evolving field.