FAO provides countries with technical support to conduct nutrition assessments, in particular to build the evidence base required for countries to achieve commitments made at the Second International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) and under the 2016-2025 UN Decade of Action on Nutrition. Such concrete evidence can only derive from precise and valid measures of what people eat and drink. There is a wide range of dietary assessment methods available to measure food and nutrient intakes (expressed as energy insufficiency, diet quality and food patterns etc.) in diet and nutrition surveys, in impact surveys, and in monitoring and evaluation. Differenct indicators can be selected according to a study's objectives, sample population, costs and required precision. In low capacity settings, a number of other issues should be considered (e.g. availability of food composition tables, cultural and community specific issues, such as intra-household distribution of foods and eating from shared plates, etc.). This manual aims to signpost for the users the best way to measure food and nutrient intakes and to enhance their understanding of the key features, strengths and limitations of various methods. It also highlights a number of common methodological considerations involved in the selection process. Target audience comprises of individuals (policy-makers, programme managers, educators, health professionals including dietitians and nutritionists, field workers and researchers) involved in national surveys, programme planning and monitoring and evaluation in low capacity settings, as well as those in charge of knowledge brokering for policy-making.

This book presents a comprehensive discussion of classical ideas, core topics, currents and detailed theoretical underpinnings in medical sociology. It is a globally renowned source and reference for those interested in social dimensions of health and illness. The presentation is enriched with explanatory and illustrative styles. The design and illustration of details will shift the minds of the readers from mere classroom discourse to societal context (the space of health issues), to consider the implications of those ideas in a way that could guide health interventions. The elemental strengths are the sociological illustrations from African context, rooted in deep cultural interpretations necessitated because Africa bears a greater brunt of health problems. More so, the classical and current epistemological and theoretical discourse presented in this book are indicative of core themes in medical sociology in particular, but cut across a multidisciplinary realm including health social sciences (e.g., medical anthropology, health psychology, medical demography, medical geography and health economics) and health studies (medicine, public health, epidemiology, bioethics and medical humanities) in general. Therefore, apart from the book’s relevance as a teaching text of medical sociology for academics, it is also meant for students at various levels and all health professionals who require a deeper understanding of social dimensions of health and illness (with illustrations from the African context) and sociological contributions to health studies in general.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare is more than a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence as a tool in the generation and analysis of healthcare data. The book is split into two sections where the first section describes the current healthcare challenges and the rise of AI in this arena. The ten following chapters are written by specialists in each area, covering the whole healthcare ecosystem. First, the AI applications in drug design and drug development are presented followed by its applications in the field of cancer diagnostics, treatment and medical imaging. Subsequently, the application of AI in medical devices and surgery are covered as well as remote patient monitoring. Finally, the book dives into the topics of security, privacy, information sharing, health insurances and legal aspects of AI in healthcare. - Highlights different data techniques in healthcare data analysis, including machine learning and data mining - Illustrates different applications and challenges across the design, implementation and management of intelligent systems and healthcare data networks - Includes applications and case studies across all areas of AI in healthcare data

Remarkable achievements in parasitic disease research, both basic and translational, have occurred over the last ten years, and we have incorporated the majority of these into the 6th edition of Parasitic Diseases. We have added over 1,000 new references to document these advances. Innovative work in the laboratory has provided the clinician/research scientist with a much clearer understanding of the mechanisms of pathogenesis. The number of recently discovered interleukins and their cellular networks has completely re-ordered our comprehension of how parasites and our defense system works to produce protection against infection/reinfection, or in some cases, how it becomes subverted by the offending pathogen to enable it to endure inside us for long periods of time. A plethora of molecular-based diagnostic tests have found their way into the routine of the parasitology diagnostic laboratory, improving the ease at which the offending pathogen can be rapidly identifed. Newer drugs, many with less harmful side-effects than the ones they replaced, have come on the market that make controlling parasite populations at the community level possible without the risk of harming the very ones we wish to help.

Data interpretation questions based on clinical cases are a popular means of testing medical students both during undergraduate studies and as an element of finals examinations. Written by a small team of authors with extensive teaching experience, 100 Cases in Medical Data Interpretation provides invaluable guidance from lecturers who understand from personal experience that detailed and accurate explanations are the key to successful revision. This book presents 100 cases arranged by specialty area—radiology, clinical chemistry, haematology and cardiology—as well as a random section of miscellaneous cases. Questions accompanying each case prompt the reader to consider how the data presented might be correctly understood. A clear discussion of how the correct answer was reached, with boxed highlights and bullet lists of key points, makes this book an excellent learning aid during all stages of clinical studies, and particularly while preparing for medical finals.

Metal ions in the brain are a necessity as well as a poison. The presence of metal ions in the active sites of biological catalysts or metalloproteins and in the biological functioning of nucleic acids is very well documented and they are required for brain activity. On the other hand, metals are very effective in generating oxidative stress. This effect does not only play a role in immunology but also is the root of practically all neurodegenerative disorders by inducing disease via the death of neurons. Managing metal ions in the brain could therefore be an important strategy in the search for therapeutic agents used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This new title gives an overview to key topics in the area of metal ions in the brain. It focuses on the role of metal ions in neurological systems by describing their advantageous functions as well as their poisonous features. It is therefore of interest for scientists in biochemistry and biophysics, physiology, toxicology as well as for physicians focused on this topic.

Jandial's 100 Case Reviews in Neurosurgery is the only reference offering a comprehensive approach to effective preparation for oral examinations, MOC, or grand rounds. Ideal for residents and graduates alike, it covers 100 of the most commonly encountered neurosurgical cases and presents them in a layout mirroring that of the oral exams. This singular resource eliminates the need to consult several texts, providing readers with all of the complete, concise knowledge needed to go in with confidence. - Covers 100 of the most commonly encountered neurosurgical cases on oral exams. - Highly templated format mirrors that of the oral exams and ensures quick and easy navigation. - Over 500 illustrations ensure an enhanced visual understanding. - Provides a chapter on endovascular neurosurgery, a topic newly included on oral exams. - Features robust sections and art on the challenging areas of peripheral nerve surgery and vascular surgery. - Includes common questions on complication management. - Appendices with key neurosurgery tables and figures (e.g. positioning, spinal fracture grading, and neuropathology) facilitate quick review. - Information is backed by evidence when available.

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic neuronal circuits thus represent a privileged target for the treatment of eating disorders and metabolic diseases. The present eBook constitutes a unique collection of research articles and reviews that highlight new concepts and recent findings about the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior.