Recent Advances in Dentistry is a monographic series focused on new developments in the field of dental medicine. The scope of the book series covers all aspects of the field including orthodontics, dental surgery, prosthodontics, forensic dentistry, evidence based medicine and much more. Each volume of the series is themed around a specialty area in dentistry and brings together contributions written and reviewed by professional experts. The book series is essential reading to dental residents in training as well as biomedical researchers. Orthodontic Biomechanics describes the mechanics behind the treatment of complex orthodontic cases using clear aligners. The volume explains a variety of complex malocclusions including increased teeth crowding, spacing, overjet, overbite, open bite, major jaw discrepancies, underbite and much more. Simplified treatment planning methods based on thorough diagnoses have also been devised by the authors for the benefit of the readers. Shortening orthodontic treatment time by careful diagnosis, planning based on understanding of orthodontic biomechanics is also discussed in addition to comparisons of jaw cases where surgery is more useful. Orthodontic Biomechanics is a useful guide for the use of clear aligners in a wide array of cases encountered by orthodontists in their daily dental practice.

Pediatric Orthodontics: Theory and Practice provides readers (practicing dentists, medical residents, pediatric specialists) with the knowledge to manage cases in regular pediatric orthodontic practice by presenting answers to specific problems related to diagnosis, clinical findings and treatment methods. It is also an essential supplement for the post-graduate student’s dental curriculum. The book’s problem based format allows readers to test and improve their knowledge about relevant topics which include craniofacial growth, facial aesthetics, musculoskeletal structure, occlusal guidance, maxillary transverse discrepancy, dental anomalies, tooth impaction, and, class II and class III malocclusions.

"Orthodontic Treatment of Class III Malocclusion is a clinical textbook which highlights both research findings as well as clinical treatment of patients with Class III malocclusions. The volume equips readers with a critical review of present information about 1) the craniofacial biology behind various treatment strategies, 2) Diagnosis and treatment planning in both growing and non-growing Class III patients and 3) Contemporary orthodontic appliances using implants and miniscrews. The book is divided into sections proving evidence-based research on the following aspects of Class III malocclusions: the genetic and epigenetic factors contemporary diagnosis and treatment planning for patients early treatment of Class III problems treatment of Class III problems in the adolescents surgical treatment of adult Class III patients treatment of Class III problems in patients with craniofacial anomalies Orthodontic Treatment of Class III Malocclusion will empower clinicians with a sound knowledge about rationale for using certain treatment modalities and will help both general practitioners and specialists such as pediatric dentists and orthodontists to use this information for their daily practice."

Dermatological treatments have changed continuously throughout recent decades. Old drugs are recognized as being effective in new indications and new methods of dosage or application have been reported. Novel drugs have also changed the therapeutic approach in numerous diseases, improving patient health and quality of life. Conversely, new adverse reactions, drug interactions and unfamiliar risks have also increased. This e-book organizes information about different treatments available for treating dermatological conditions, focusing on a practical approach and systematizing drug interactions, adverse events, and patterns of intake or application. This e-book is comprised of 3 sections, based on the way the treatment is applied: topical treatments, systemic treatments and physical therapies. Topical therapy is probably the most important mode to treat diseases of skin, releasing the active drug directly on the affected area. Both local and global effects can be achieved, as well as different adverse reactions are sometimes obtained. Systemic treatments are important in dermatology in conditions affecting a huge surface or when a potent means of therapy is needed. Physical therapies are highly specific in nature with respect to skin diseases, using different light sources combined with several substances to obtain the desired effect on epidermal structures. Every section contains several chapters dedicated to the different groups of drugs. Specific emphasis is given to the practical usage of each drug with comprehensive tables facilitating the information.

Practicing dermatologists are likely to encounter several patients who have psychological difficulties in dealing with various skin conditions. While there are several factors that might be responsible for these difficulties (such as physical and mental stress), it is becoming increasingly clear nowadays that skin disease patients experiencing such issues need to be managed with a multidisciplinary approach to improve treatment outcomes. Skin and the Psyche delves into the realm of psychodermatology – the cusp of dermatology, psychology and psychiatry. The book enhances the reader´s knowledge about relevant topics such as the biology of the skin, the impact of stress on skin inflammation, acne vulgaris, skin diseases secondary to delusions and other psychiatric diseases, psoriasis and much more. Different forms of non-pharmacological treatments of these diseases are also mentioned. The book also contains a concise guide to building a psychodermatology clinic. Skin and the Psyche is a vital reference for dermatologists, hospital managers and psychiatrists looking for tips to improve their ability to interact with individuals while assisting them to cope with dermatological diseases and conditions.

The Vertebrate Pigmentary System: From pigment cells to Disorders provides readers with fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional aspects of vertebrate pigment cells - melanophores and melanocytes - from their origin to different stages of development to related diseases. Chapters of the book explain the specific regulatory receptors and markers, signaling pathways of skin melanocytes along with the diseases (hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation) in humans associated with their disruption. Concurrently, the etiologies of pigmentary disorders and the various therapeutic approaches for their treatment are presented in focused chapters of the book with updated information from recent publications. A summary of natural product based treatment for hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation rounds up the contents. This reference is a basic guide for medical students and dermatology residents, and a handy source of information for students, researchers, academicians in the field of pigment cell biology, pharmacology and cosmetology.

This e-book on diabetes epidemiology starts with the evolution in the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, particularly the changes in the last 15 years and their impact on the prevalence of the disease. The increasing trend in prevalence of diabetes worldwide, and its impact on people’s health and economic development are described by regions and countries. The rationale for a diabetes screening program, recent development in screening strategies and screening tools are thoroughly reviewed and presented. Because obesity is one of the major risk factors for diabetes and has been included in several risk assessment questionnaires, the obesity-diabetes association is particularly addressed in this e-book. The diagnostic cut-off value for surrogate measurement of body fat mass such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference is also discussed. The measurement errors and the strength of the association of diabetes with BMI and waist circumference are formally compared. Other diabetes related metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia are also discussed with regard to their association with different degree of glucose intolerance including pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes. The risk of dyslipidemia with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in people with different glucose levels is estimated within different ethnic groups and the ethnic differences are compared. Recent interest on diabetes-cancer association is on the rise. Academic literature on this issue presented in this volume. The relationship of diabetes with cardiovascular disease is also recognised. In this book the focus is set on the impact of various levels of fasting and 2-hout post-load glucose on the occurrence of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Hypercalcemia is a relatively common disorder, which requires specific treatment in order to control symptoms and prevent the development of organ damage. Primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy are responsible for most cases of hypercalcemia, and treatment has therefore been focused towards these two areas. The aim of this book is to present updated knowledge on hypercalcemia, its association with renal disorders, and benign and malignant diseases, diagnostic methodologies, as well as surgical and medical treatment. Insights into the etiology, pathogenesis and pathophysiology of hypercalcemia are included along with details on biochemical findings and ways to monitor complications and therapy. Suggestions on current imaging techniques and surgical treatment of hypercalcemia, are also presented. The book presents an overview on the pharmacology of anti-hypercalcemic drugs, also providing information on new drugs and future perspectives. The book will serve as a comprehensive reference source for oncologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, clinicians, biochemists and pharmacologists, as well those involved in hypercalcemia management and research.

Insulin resistance is the main factor involved in the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome and later development of type2 diabetes. Despite decades of research on hormone's target tissues and the identification of most diverse candidates, the factors responsible for insulin resistance are still largely undefined. There is also a large discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo insulin sensitivity. Finally it is increasingly demonstrated that insulin resistance is found very early in life, long before metabolic syndrome is established. In search for commonalities, this book deals therefore with a new hypothesis considering microcirculation as one prime, possibly causal effector of insulin resistance. To present this novel hypothesis, the specificities of microvascular physiological mechanisms and the limits of interpretations of data according to the measurement techniques used are first thoroughly described. Several chapters deal with experimental and clinical investigations showing the involvement of microcirculation in insulin resistance. This book provides sound support for microcirculation being linked to insulin resistance at least in a bidirectional way. Supportive evidence suggests that microvascular dysfunction may lie upstream of insulin resistance in many of them. While this is still a hypothesis, the authors believe that there is enough data supporting it and hope that this book will stimulate researchers to provide the necessary final proofs.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormonal system that is responsible for regulating plasma sodium ion concentration and arterial blood pressure in the body. The system involves several peptides such as angiotensin I and II as well as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to enable the constriction of arterial blood vessels in the lung. Angiotensin II also stimulates the production of the hormone aldosterone in the kidneys which brings sodium ions into the bloodstream in exchange for potassium ions. Malfunctions of the RAS can lead to hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and renal complications. Thus the biochemical components of this system serve as important targets for therapeutic drugs. This monograph is a compilation of updated reviews on the RAS. The monograph covers describes the components of the system to explaining its physiological and clinical features in the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. This is followed by sections explaining the biochemistry of the RAS system in cardiovascular and renal disease and the pharmacology of relevant therapeutic drugs. Additional information on the effect of exercise states and methods to quantify angiotensins for molecular diagnosis is also presented in the concluding sections. Information in the monograph will be of interest to physiologists and endocrinologists involved in medical studies or clinical practice. Readers will be able to understand the RAS with a holistic frame of reference.