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The field of biomedical research on alcoholism has developed at an astonishing speed in recent years. Today, new medications and treatment strategies are available and new leads are currently tested in multi-center trials. This book gives a comprehensive overview about different neurotransmitter/peptide systems involved in craving and relapse behavior and critically describes the clinical application of new anti-craving and anti-relapse compounds. The editors - a preclinical researcher and a clinical researcher, together with some of the most distinguished experts in the field - compiled the most recent available preclinical and clinical data, offering a thorough picture on modern relapse prevention. Undoubtedly, this book sets out to provide an all-encompassing overview about the topic, which will be of interest to the preclinical researcher, the clinician as well as to the patient who wants to learn more.

“Laser-Tissue Interactions” provides a thorough description of the fundamentals and applications in this field. Basic concepts such as the optical and thermal properties of tissue, the various types of tissue ablation, and optical breakdown and its related effects are treated in detail. Special attention is given to mathematical tools (Monte Carlo simulations, the Kubelka-Munk theory etc.) and approved techniques (photodynamic therapy, laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy etc.). The part on applications reviews clinically relevant methods in modern medicine using the latest references. The last chapter covers today’s standards of laser safety, with a careful selection of essential guidelines published by the Laser Institute of America. Numerous research photographs, illustrations, tables and comprehensive summaries make this book a useful guide for graduate students, scientists, and medical practitioners. New end-of-chapter exercises provide readers with the opportunity to check their understanding of key concepts and techniques.

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This book provides practically applicable knowledge on histology and histopathology of the changes that are seen in diseases of the dental and periodontal tissues. It includes the disturbances in tooth formation, acquired dental diseases including caries and its sequelae for the tooth-surrounding tissues, periodontal disease and odontogenic tumours. Also, attention will be paid to the histological alterations induced by dental treatment.

This brilliantly illustrated manual is a road map for the surgeon who wishes to perform a dissection exercise on the neck in the anatomic theatre. It guides the reader step by step through the cervical structures, the aim being to improve his/her technical skills in surgical practice in the operating room. This book is divided into sections, beginning with the most superficial structures, and then progressing to the deepest planes. The structures warranting the most surgical-anatomic attention and interest are identified. Regional “visits” are supported by concise, reader-friendly reference to normal human anatomy, physiology, practical indications, and tips on operating techniques. Special attention is given to oncological matters of the neck, as this is the prevalent interest of the author. Visible demonstration of the proposed dissection exercise is available on the accompanying video DVD. This guide offers valuable support to all surgeons for the identification of relevant and significant anatomical neck structures, and therefore helps to improve surgical skills and avoid surgical complications.

This volume in the Robotic Radiosurgery series is devoted to the theory and practice in the emerging field of stereotactic radiosurgery for extracranial tumors, particularly those that move as patients breathe. Special attention is given to the frameless robotic radiosurgery device known as the CyberKnife. Moving tumors are treated with the CyberKnife using a revolutionary new tool, called the Synchrony® Respiratory Tracking System, which can track moving tumors in real time. Detailed information is provided on the technology and methodology for delivery of high doses of radiation to moving targets, radiobiological and radiological principles, and the challenges faced by clinicians performing extracranial stereotactic radiosurgery. Furthermore, there are thorough reviews of the general clinical literature on stereotactic radiation treatment of tumors of the lungs, liver, and pancreas, and the latest clinical data from clinicians conducting clinical studies using the CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery System.

Management of salivary disorders encompasses a broad array of diseases, both benign and malignant. To better demonstrate the evolution of this field and its diagnostic and therapeutic management, the contents of this book have been organized to reflect the diverse nature of salivary gland anatomy, physiology, and dysfunction in various states of disease. This text first addresses practical office-based diagnostic approaches. It continues with congenital and acquired salivary dysfunction, including the goals for restoration of gland function. The third portion of this book provides detailed information on assessment and therapy for benign and malignant tumors of the major and minor salivary glands. Each chapter is authored by internationally known authorities in this field. Illustrative photographs and sketches are included in each chapter, to demonstrate the disorders and surgical techniques described. In summary, this comprehensive book serves as a useful reference and practical manual for clinicians dealing with salivary gland disorders. Whether as an introductory or advanced reference text, the reader will find that this book fulfills an important role in the management of salivary gland diseases.

This is the most comprehensive overview available anywhere on the broad, multi-faceted and complex topic of pain – and the rapidly evolving scientific and medical disciplines that seek to understand, assess and treat pain.

The Encyclopedia of Pain includes more than 3,000 entries and provides clear, detailed and up-to-date coverage of the current state of research, and treatment of pain. In addition, detailed essays provide in-depth information on all aspects of nociception and pain, including substrates, causes, pathophysiology, symptoms and signs, diagnoses and treatment. A thousand color figures enhance understanding of this too-little-understood topic.

Solidly structured and inclusive, this three-volume reference is an invaluable tool for clinical scientists and practitioners in academia, health care and industry, as well as students, teachers and interested laypersons.

MRI has become the preferred noninvasive imaging modality for the heart and great vessels. The substantial technological progress achieved in recent years has provided the user with state-of-the-art MRI systems, but their optimal use can be limited by restricted awareness of the potential patient benefit and the necessity for teaching. This extensively illustrated volume, together with the accompanying CD-ROM, has been specifically compiled to meet these needs. Essential theoretical background information is provided, and imaging acquisition and potential pitfalls are considered in detail. Most importantly, structured guidelines are provided on the interpretation of clinical data in the wide range of cardiac pathology that can be encountered. Throughout, the emphasis is on the implementation of cardiac MRI in clinical practice.

Recurrence is a significant public health problem. So, this fourth Suvretta meeting, held in February 2006 is intended to concentrate on this problem. Technical nuances of the various operations have been discussed to pursue consensus concerning the best techniques. Methods were explored to improve surgeons’ education and look into the multifactorial etiologies to understand the biology of hernia recurrence better.

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