Smooth Muscle Spontaneous Activity


Book Description

This book presents the commonality and heterogeneity of the mechanisms underlying smooth muscle spontaneous activity in various smooth muscle organs and in addition discusses their malfunctions in disease and their potential as novel therapeutic targets. To facilitate understanding, the volume is divided into five parts and covers 16 organs: airways, gastrointestinal tract (phasic muscle, tonic muscle), renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, urethra, corporal tissue, prostate, uterus, oviducts, seminal vesicle, artery, vein, microvasculature, and lymphatic vessels. This structure will help readers to comprehend the most up-to-date information on the similarities and differences in the contractile mechanisms driving various smooth muscles as well as their potential manipulations in particular visceral organ pathologies. The vast advancements in gene, electrical recording, and imaging technologies in this field are also discussed, with review of past achievements and consideration of likely future developments. This book will be of worldwide interest to clinicians, students, and researchers alike.




Airway Remodeling


Book Description

This landmark volume discusses the characteristics and impact of the remodeling process on airway function and clinical disease expression within the airway in asthma, covering pharmacological therapies and possible future targets relevant to regulating the remodeling process. Emphasizes the importance of treating underlying airway inflammation and the relevance of structural alterations to the airway wall, including glandular increases, enhanced collagen deposition within the submucosa, increased vasculature, smooth hypertrophy, and hyperplasias! Tracing the development and maintenance of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, decline in lung function, and loss of reversibility evident in chronic asthma, Airway Remodelingdescribes the contribution of inflammatory cells in the development of airway structural changes examines how pharmaceutical agents act and whether existing treatments modify or prevent remodeling in chronically inflamed asthmatic airways considers whether neural pathways initiate as well as contribute to the airway inflammatory cascade that leads to remodeling reviews the action of cytokines and growth factors on ASM signaling outlines novel approaches to regulating smooth muscle growth clarifies whether permanent ventilatory incapacity in asthma is caused by the uncoupling of the airway and the role of the lung parenchyma details high-resolution computerized tomography scan to measure the internal size of the airway at baseline, during challenge, or after bronchodilatation and more!Improving lung function and quality of life by reducing the need for emergency care, hospital admissions, and systemic steroid administration, Airway Remodeling is a superb reference for pulmonologists and respiratory system specialists; physiologists; pneumologists; allergists; pharmacologists; molecular, cellular, and lung biologists; and graduate and medical school students in these disciplines.




Lung Stem Cells in Development, Health and Disease


Book Description

Most organs in the adult human body are able to maintain themselves and undergo repair after injury; these processes are largely dependent on stem cells. In this Monograph, the Guest Editors bring together leading authors in the field to provide information about the different classes of stem cells present both in the developing and adult lung: where they are found, how they function in homeostasis and pathologic conditions, the mechanisms that regulate their behaviour, and how they may be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. The book focuses on stem cells in the mouse and human lung but also includes the ferret as an increasingly important new model organism. Chapters also discuss how lung tissue, including endogenous stem cells, can be generated in vitro from pluripotent stem cell lines. This state-of-the-art collection comprehensively covers one of the most exciting areas of respiratory science




Pulmonary Biology in Health and Disease


Book Description

This new book provides an accessible review of the field of lung biology and disease aimed at the graduate or medical student and biomedical researcher. The book starts by considering the anatomy and ultrastructure of the lung and the tracheal and bronchial system, the control of respiration as well as the fundamentals of pulmonary physiology, gas exchange and circulation. This is followed by discussion of the regulation of acid-base balance, high altitude physiology and pathophysiology as well as exercise and the pulmonary system. Chapters follow on the immunology of the lung, lung injury, asthma and emphysema, granulomatous lung disease, inhalation of toxic substances as well as diseases of the small airways. The final chapter considers current research into lung transplantation.




Respiratory Muscle Training


Book Description

Respiratory Muscle Training: theory and practice is the world's first book to provide an "everything-you-need-to-know" guide to respiratory muscle training (RMT). Authored by an internationally-acclaimed expert, it is an evidence-based resource, built upon current scientific knowledge, as well as experience at the cutting-edge of respiratory training in a wide range of settings. The aim of the book is to give readers: 1) an introduction to respiratory physiology and exercise physiology, as well as training theory; 2) an understanding of how disease affects the respiratory muscles and the mechanics of breathing; 3) an insight into the disease-specific, evidence-based benefits of RMT; 4) advice on the application of RMT as a standalone treatment, and as part of a rehabilitation programme; and finally, 5) guidance on the application of functional training techniques to RMT. The book is divided into two parts – theory and practice. Part I provides readers with access to the theoretical building blocks that support practice. It explores the evidence base for RMT as well as the different methods of training respiratory muscles and their respective efficacy. Part II guides the reader through the practical implementation of the most widely validated form of RMT, namely inspiratory muscle resistance training. Finally, over 150 "Functional" RMT exercises are described, which incorporate a stability and/or postural challenge – and address specific movements that provoke dyspnoea. Respiratory Muscle Training: theory and practice is supported by a dedicated website (www.physiobreathe.com), which provides access to the latest information on RMT, as well as video clips of all exercises described in the book. Purchasers will also receive a three-month free trial of the Physiotec software platform (via www.physiotec.ca), which allows clinicians to create bespoke training programmes (including video clips) that can be printed or emailed to patients. - Introductory overviews of respiratory and exercise physiology, as well as training theory - Comprehensive, up-to-date review of respiratory muscle function, breathing mechanics and RMT - Analysis of the interaction between disease and respiratory mechanics, as well as their independent and combined influence upon exercise tolerance - Analysis of the rationale and application of RMT to over 20 clinical conditions, e.g., COPD, heart failure, obesity, mechanical ventilation - Evidence-based guidance on the implementation of inspiratory muscle resistance training - Over 150 functional exercises that incorporate a breathing challenge - www.physiobreathe.com - access up-to-date information, video clips of exercises and a three-month free trial of Physiotec's RMT exercise module (via www.physiotec.ca)




Nitric Oxide in Health and Disease


Book Description

Nitric oxide has a tantalizing role in health and disease: while many of its wide-ranging effects are well known, there remains much more to explore and to learn about the interactions of this fascinating molecule in physiological and pathophysiological processes. The volume reviews the myriad effects of nitric oxide as a chemical messenger in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, immune system and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, it provides a very practical introduction to the procedures and experimental protocols necessary to work with and study nitric oxide and its synthesizing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase, in the laboratory. In this respect the volume is unique, providing as it does a complete single-volume review of the role of nitric oxide in health and disease, and a very practical introduction to the methods and protocols involved in this intriguing and active area of biomedical research.




Asthma


Book Description

Asthma is a prevalent disease in all age groups that results from different pathogenic mechanisms, cells, and mediators engaged in innumerous clinical phenotypes and endotypes. This book exhaustively and didactically explores the biological expression of numerous cells and mediators involved in bronchial inflammation. The information provided aims at identifying the diversity and complexity of the interrelationships between the different players, drawing attention to critical mechanisms in asthma. It also highlights the requirement of new tools to identify strong biomarkers absolutely critical for managing asthma.




How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease


Book Description

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.




Asthma and COPD


Book Description

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations




Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery


Book Description

This title is directed primarily towards health care professionals outside of the United States. Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery provides up-to-date, in-depth coverage of the diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders in the horse. It discusses respiratory physiology and examination techniques, as well as a review of the medical and surgical problems that may be encountered, organized anatomically and progressing in logical fashion from the upper airways, larynx and sinuses, through the lower airways, the lungs, and diaphragm. Common conditions covered include infections, allergy, trauma, cysts, and tumors. High quality artwork, including relevant radiographic and ultrasonographic images, CAT scans, MRI images, and color photographs aid understanding and diagnosis. A truly international perspective includes guidelines for different geographic areas and racing jurisdictions. Features in-depth coverage of the role of the veterinarian in the management of athletic horses with respiratory tract diseases.