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.




Platelets in Cardiovascular Disease


Book Description

Platelets in Cardiovascular Disease provides an in-depth and current coverage of relevant platelet biology and antiplatelet therapy that is in clinical use today and potentially for the future. The book provides a succinct overview of the critical role of platelets in cardiovascular medicine. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, and recent research has found that the platelet is central to the genesis of heart attacks and stroke as well as many of the complications of angioplasty and bypass surgery. An explosion of knowledge of the biology of platelets has established their important role in the formation of blood clots and, perhaps more intriguingly, their role as inflammatory cells. This growth in information has been paralleled by the development of several drugs that can interfere with platelet action and thereby improve patient outcomes. Indeed, several antiplatelet drugs already in development may ultimately lead to marked advances in both the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Drawing upon a panel of international experts, Platelets in Cardiovascular Disease delivers a concise yet thorough review of the major developments in antiplatelet therapy. Practicing clinicians as well as those involved in the development of new antithrombotic therapies will find the book interesting and useful. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: Platelet Biology the Role of Platelets in Hemostasis, Thrombosis and Inflammation (274 KB). Contents: Platelet Biology: The Role of Platelets in Hemostasis, Thrombosis and Inflammation (R C Becker); Thromboxane Antagonists (B R Dulin & S R Steinhubl); Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors (S J Lehman et al.); ADP Receptor Antagonists (J Karha & C P Cannon); Monitoring Antiplatelet Therapy (P Harrison & A D Michelson); Platelet Genomics (B K Jefferson et al.); Future Strategies for the Development of Antiplatelet Drugs (R A Harrington). Readership: Physicians: cardiologists, vascular medicine specialists, hematologists; physicians in training: fellows, residents, interns; pharmacists; pharmaceutical industry: scientists, sales representatives.




The Right Heart


Book Description

The heart and lung are intricately linked. When the heart is affected by disease, the lungs will often show some related pathological or clinical conditions and vice versa. Pulmonary heart disease is by definition a condition when the lungs cause the heart to fail. The left ventricle in combination with the other structures in the “left heart” pumps blood throughout the body. The right ventricle (and structures of the “right heart”) pumps blood to the lungs where it is oxygenated and returned to the left heart for distribution. In normal circumstances, the right heart pumps blood into the lungs without any resistance. The lungs usually have minimal pressure and the right heart easily pumps blood through. However when there is lung disease present, like emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) or pulmonary hypertension- the small blood vessels become very stiff and rigid. The right ventricle is no longer able to push blood into the lungs and eventually fails. This is known as pulmonary heart disease. Pulmonary heart disease is also known as right heart failure or cor pulmonale. The chief cause of right heart failure is the increase in blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary artery).




Coronary Angioscopy


Book Description

This book presents a thorough review of coronary angioscopy, ranging from instructions on its use to the latest advances. Starting with the structure and fundamental principles of angioscopy, it shows readers how to apply the image to comprehensive care of coronary-artery patients. Plentiful color photos and illustrations will enable readers to investigate and classify plaques and thrombi and to evaluate coronary stent- and drug-based therapies. The authors are leading researchers on angioscopy. This book offers the perfect guide not only for new clinicians but also for cardiologists who have already adopted this technique for medical examination and treatment. Angioscopy is a unique medical technique for visualizing the interior of blood vessels and helps physicians not only to diagnose the pathology but also to measure the effectiveness of Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or antiarteriosclerotic drugs. Furthermore, the recently developed molecular angioscopy approach allows us to observe Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxide, collagen, and macrophages, and is rapidly growing in importance.




Cancer-Associated Thrombosis


Book Description

Showcasing the expertise of top-tier specialists who contributed to the newly released guidelines for the care of thrombosis in cancer patients, this exciting guide was written and edited by members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology panel, (ASCO), on the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis, among others, and provides




The Interventional Cardiology Training Manual


Book Description

This textbook is a readily accessible educational tool for all fellows undertaking subspecialty training in interventional cardiology, while also serving as a refresher to early career interventional cardiologists. The key objective is to equip the reader with an evidence-based expert-led resource focussed primarily on pre-procedural planning, peri-procedural decision-making, and the salient technical aspects of performing safe and effective coronary intervention, the intention being to support the therapeutic decision-making process in the emergency room, coronary care unit or cath lab in order to optimize patient outcome. The Interventional Cardiology Training Manual provides readers with a step-by-step guide to the basic principles underpinning coronary intervention and facilitates rapid access to best practice from the experts, presented in a pragmatic, digestible and concise format. Uniquely, each chapter has been written in a heart center-specific manner, affording the reader an opportunity to learn how individual institutions perform a specific procedure, which algorithms and guidelines they follow and what evidence they draw on to instigate the best possible care for their patients.




Bioresorbable Scaffolds


Book Description

This book focuses on the coronary bioresorbable scaffold, a new interventional treatment for coronary artery disease, differentiated from a permanent metallic stent. The book provides an overview of the technology including non-clinical studies and clinical evidences in order to help clinicians understand the appropriate application of the technology and the optimal techniques of implantation. It covers the basics of bioresorbable scaffolds; bench test results; preclinical studies; clinical evidences; and tips and tricks of implantation.




A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases


Book Description

Chronic diseases are common and costly, yet they are also among the most preventable health problems. Comprehensive and accurate disease surveillance systems are needed to implement successful efforts which will reduce the burden of chronic diseases on the U.S. population. A number of sources of surveillance data-including population surveys, cohort studies, disease registries, administrative health data, and vital statistics-contribute critical information about chronic disease. But no central surveillance system provides the information needed to analyze how chronic disease impacts the U.S. population, to identify public health priorities, or to track the progress of preventive efforts. A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases outlines a conceptual framework for building a national chronic disease surveillance system focused primarily on cardiovascular and chronic lung diseases. This system should be capable of providing data on disparities in incidence and prevalence of the diseases by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic region, along with data on disease risk factors, clinical care delivery, and functional health outcomes. This coordinated surveillance system is needed to integrate and expand existing information across the multiple levels of decision making in order to generate actionable, timely knowledge for a range of stakeholders at the local, state or regional, and national levels. The recommendations presented in A Nationwide Framework for Surveillance of Cardiovascular and Chronic Lung Diseases focus on data collection, resource allocation, monitoring activities, and implementation. The report also recommends that systems evolve along with new knowledge about emerging risk factors, advancing technologies, and new understanding of the basis for disease. This report will inform decision-making among federal health agencies, especially the Department of Health and Human Services; public health and clinical practitioners; non-governmental organizations; and policy makers, among others.




Erythrocyte


Book Description

In addition to carrying haemoglobin for gas exchange, red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes contain a number of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, making them capable of acting as peripheral biomarkers for many pathological conditions. Early identification of key changes in erythrocytes in response to inflammatory or infectious diseases saves millions of lives worldwide. As such, this book examines the role of RBCs in immunology. Chapters cover such topics as an iron deficiency in erythrocytes, the modulation of oxidative stress (OS) in erythrocytes in bacterial and viral infections, using human foetal astrocytes (HFAs) as an experimental model to measure early predictive biomarkers for hypertension, and more.




Hypoxia and Anoxia


Book Description

The molecular deprivation of oxygen is manifested by hypoxia, a deficiency of oxygen and anoxia, or the absence of oxygen supply to the tissues. This book entitled Hypoxia and Anoxia will cover a broad range of understanding on hypoxia and anoxia from molecular mechanisms to pathophysiology. Hypoxia and anoxia stimulate multiple systems through specific cell signal transduction pathways and regulate several transcriptional factors like HIF-1, REST to encode genes for VEGF, Epo, etc. This book will also highlight different types of hypoxia and anoxia along with their impact on apoptosis, cardiovascular pathophysiology, and glucose regulatory mechanisms. This book will be a ready reckoner to give a deep understanding of the oxygen-sensing environment in vivo for researchers, academicians, and clinicians throughout the world.