This book explores the non-interventional aspects of interventional pulmonology, focusing on diseases of the central airways. As the field of bronchology and interventional pulmonology expands, newer conditions involving the central airways are being recognized with increasing frequency. Current literature has mainly focused on technical aspects of the subspecialty, but this book illuminates what else interventional pulmonology has to offer the pulmonologist, including diagnosis and alternate therapeutic options. Diseases of the Central Airways: A Clinical Guide presents techniques for the diagnoses, management and treatment of patients with intriguing central airway conditions such as: black bronchoscopy, tracheobronchomalacia, endobronchial tuberculosis, and tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. In-depth chapters are written by international experts and are up-to-date and comprehensive reviews. This important new book will contribute significantly to the welfare of patients with lung ailments of the central airways.

This Brief is devoted to the CFTR protein and cystic fibrosis, and it provides an updated perspective of the genetic, functional and cellular processes involved in this conformational disorder. Starting with a historical perspective on cystic fibrosis and its clinical features, the author departs into an in-depth description of the biology of the CFTR protein, ending with a discussion on the latest approaches aimed at developing corrective therapies for cystic fibrosis. First the basic aspects of cystic fibrosis as a disorder are addressed, focusing on genetics and mutation prevalence. Then the CFTR protein is discussed in detail: its structure and classification within the ABC transporter superfamily, its biogenesis with membrane insertion and chaperone assisted folding, its glycosylation and how it regulates the endoplasmatic reticulum quality control mechanisms that assess CFTR folding status. Extra attention is given to post-ER trafficking and regulation of membrane stability and anchoring, and to CFTR functions. This is linked to the molecular mechanisms through which different CFTR mutations cause cystic fibrosis. Finally, the different efforts aiming at rescuing the basic defect, most of which aim at repairing CFTR dysfunction, are covered. Through this integrated perspective, readers will obtain a unique insight into this fascinating membrane-bound protein and its associated disease. This Brief appeals to an audience interested in human genetics, protein folding, protein trafficking and physiology.

This book provides the framework for a singular reference in the field of pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary vascular disease is a complex and heterogeneous condition characterized by remodeling of distal pulmonary arterioles that increases pulmonary vascular resistance to affect cardiopulmonary hemodynamic and right ventricular function adversely, resulting in a clinical syndrome of diminished exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, and heart failure-associated morbidity and mortality. Owing to the availability of novel pulmonary circulation-selective pharmacotherapies over the previous decade, the number of pulmonary hypertension patients eligible for treatment has increased substantially. Despite this progress, under-awareness persists within the practicing pulmonary, cardiovascular, and general internal medicine communities. This is due, in part, to the complex array of molecular mechanisms implicated in the pathobiology of PH, as well as cutting-edge discoveries from translational scientific works that provide a new framework by which to understand pulmonary vascular-right ventricular coupling. Taken together, a key educational opportunity is exposed to bridge this knowledge gap through the synthesis of a contemporary text that emphasizes basic science, translational and clinical principles, and treatment strategies for understanding pulmonary hypertension.

Respiratory allergy is constantly encountered and is sharply on the rise, particularly in the two most vulnerable age-groups: young children and seniors. Allergy results in airway hyperactivity and increased airway resistance, with all inflammatory sequelae being ensued. The chapters show how respiratory allergy research is interconnected with other disciplines by discussing neurotransmitter, membrane receptor, and ionic channel mechanisms of allergy and by giving diagnostic and pharmacological cues on desensitization and therapy.

Mitochondria, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by oxidative phosphorylation or OXPHOS, and maintain cellular homeostasis. In addition to generating ATP, mitochondria are involved in regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, free radical production, innate immune responses and apoptosis. Mitochondrial Function in Lung Health and Disease fills the current gap in the literature and outlines the growing clinical relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction. Currently, there is no overview on the role of mitochondria in pulmonary diseases and this volume focuses on the mitochondrial metabolism, redox signaling, and mechanisms of mitochondrial pathways in lung injury, inflammation, repair and remodeling. Furthermore, in addition to their well-recognized role in cellular energy production and apoptosis, mitochondria appear to play a role in many respiratory diseases and lung cancer. Chapters are written by top notch researchers and clinicians and outline the evidence for mitochondrial biogenesis in inhalational lung injury, COPD and asthma.

While specialists often guide the care to lung cancer patients, it is often a general radiologist who is left to interpret studies that impact patient care and management. Lung Cancer Imaging provides a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis, staging and overview of the management of lung cancer relevant to practicing radiologists so that they can better understand the decision making issues and provide more directed and useful communication to the treating physicians. It Primary Care physicians will also find this book valuable to understand the relevant issues that they face when one of their patients is being treated for lung cancer.

Sleep Loss and Obesity: Intersecting Epidemics represents a major contribution to the field of sleep medicine. It is a comprehensive review of the neurobiology of sleep, circadian timing and obesity, the deleterious effects of sleep loss and obesity on health, and the worrisome associated social and medical costs in a range of patient populations and overall to society. The number of individuals who are obese has reached alarming levels. As a result, the incidence of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, heart disease, and kidney failure have also increased. The surgeon general estimates that the total annual cost of obesity in the US is about $117 billion. This cost is expected to escalate significantly because the number of overweight and obese children is increasing rapidly. Indeed, the new generation is expected to have a shorter life-span then their parents. In addition, sleep loss is emerging as an important contributing factor to obesity. People who sleep less or are sleep deprived tend to eat more, especially carbohydrates, and have a higher body mass index. Increased weight restricts the upper airway, causing obstructive sleep apnea and further sleep loss. In the end there is a vicious cycle of weight gain and sleep loss. In the past few years there has been a tremendous growth in our understanding of brain mechanisms controlling energy metabolism. Interestingly the neurons regulating waking also regulate feeding. There is also a mechanism that regulates the timing of feeding and sleep. In shift-workers this system is likely to be disturbed, and this has an adverse impact on both feeding and sleep. Sleep Loss and Obesity: Intersecting Epidemics is the first title to clearly examine how obesity and sleep loss are interacting epidemics. This fascinating title makes the link between energy metabolism, sleep and circadian timing; identifies poor sleep as a risk-factor for obesity in children and adults and offers treatment strategies for obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. This book will be a vital source of information for all physicians interested in sleep disorders and obesity. It will also be of value to neuroscientists, health system administrators, and policy makers.

Interstitial lung diseases comprise a significant part of any respiratory medicine practice. This timely second edition of Diffuse Lung Disease is a practical clinically-oriented resource, covering all the major advances in diagnostic techniques and therapies. Authored by world authorities in the field, this book provides clear and specific recommendations for the management of all forms of interstitial lung diseases. This book is divided into two sections. The first section addresses the general aspects of diagnosis and management, including clinical approach, radiographic approach, physiological changes, and classification. The second section details each individual form of interstitial lung disease. Organized in an easy to follow format, each disease specific chapter includes tables outlining diagnostic approach, differential diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment. Illustrative cases, replete with high quality HRCT images, bring an added dimension to this outstanding book.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Guide for the Practicing Clinician is a valuable resource for clinicians of varied disciplines concerning the care of the sarcoidosis patient. Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder and represents a major challenge to physicians. Although any organ may be involved with sarcoidosis, the lung is the most common organ affected. Chapters are written by distinguished authors who have extensive experience in caring for these patients. Detailed figures and tables are provided to guide the practicing clinician through all aspects of the condition, from clinical manifestations to treatment options. Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Guide for the Practicing Clinician is fully comprehensive and evidence-based and will be an essential addition to the bookshelves of all whose practice involves the care and treatment of patients with sarcoidosis.

Hailed by professional journals and esteemed by primary care physicians, Bronchial Asthma: A Guide for Practical Understanding and Treatment, Sixth Edition, has been fully updated to help physicians face the challenge of diagnosis and management in every variety of patient subpopulation.

Sleep Medicine is a field that attracts physicians from a variety of clinical backgrounds. As a result, the majority of sleep specialists who interpret sleep studies (PSG) do not have specialized training in neurophysiology and electroencephalography (EEG) interpretation. Given this and the fact that PSGs usually are run at a third of the speed of EEGs and that they usually have a limited array of electrodes, waveforms frequently appear different on the PSGs compared to the EEGs. This can lead to challenges interpreting certain unusual looking activity that may or may not be pathological. This Atlas of Electroencephalograpy in Sleep Medicine is extensively illustrated and provides an array of examples of normal waveforms commonly seen on PSG, in addition to normal variants, epileptiform and non-epileptiform abnormalities and common artifacts. This resource is divided into five main sections with a range of topics and chapters per section. The sections cover Normal Sleep Stages; Normal Variants; Epileptiform Abnormalities; Non-epileptiform Abnormalities; and Artifacts. Each example includes a brief description of each EEG together with its clinical significance, if any. Setting the book apart from others in the field is the following feature: Each EEG discussed consists of three views of the same page -- one at a full EEG montage with 30mm/sec paper speed, the same montage at 10mm/sec (PSG speed) and a third showing the same thing at 10 mm/sec, but with the abbreviated PSG montage. Unique and the first resource of its kind in sleep medicine, the Atlas of Electroencephalograpy in Sleep Medicine will greatly assist those physicians and sleep specialists who read PSGs to identify common and unusual waveforms on EEG as they may appear during a sleep study and serve as a reference for them in that capacity.

Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide to Evaluation and Treatment is a comprehensive, timely and up-to-date review of pediatric sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and offers a thorough focus on several key areas: namely, the normal development and maturation of the airway and breathing during sleep, the techniques that are in place for assessment of SDB in children, the clinical manifestations and characteristics of several pediatric populations at risk for SDB, the implications of SDB in various end-organ systems, and, finally, a critical review of the evidence on current therapeutic approaches. This unique and complete text is of welcome interest to all practicing physicians and healthcare professionals who evaluate children with sleep problems -- namely pulmonologists, pediatricians, sleep physicians, pediatric neurologists, pediatric otolaryngologists, and family practitioners, as well as clinical researchers, pediatric nurse practitioners and respiratory therapists. Written by a distinguished and international panel of authors who are renowned experts in their field and who offer an expanded view of the problems associated with SDB, Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide to Evaluation and Treatment is an indispensible resource for all physicians who evaluate children for sleep-disordered breathing.

Cardiorespiratory function is prominently affected by oxidative stress. Cigarette smoking is the archetype of oxidative and nitrative stress and free radical formation. New adverse effects of smoking keep on propping up in research. The chapters provide the comprehensive view of new developments in this area regarding cardiovascular and lung function and muscle catabolism. Alterations in inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as degradation of muscle proteins due to smoking, by far unrecognized, caused by oxidative stress also are presented. Much less is known about the effect of cognitive stress on vagally-mediated cardiorespiratory function and surprisingly, on vagal immune pathway. The experimental studies also show that clinically important meconium aspiration syndrome contains an oxidative trait which is amenable to antioxidative treatment. This volume creates a source of information on the damaging role of oxidative stress in cardiorespiratory function that has by far not been available.

The successful prophylaxis and treatment of ubiquitous respiratory infections is essential for the enhancement of public health. The chapters provide new insights into the biology of causative pathogens, tackle the epidemiological aspects, and present an update on diagnostics, prevention and therapy of infections. The emerging new pathogens and antibiotic resistance of the old ones are discussed. Novel markers of the severity of community acquired pneumonia, which bears high morbidity and mortality, also are presented.

This book comprehensively summarizes the adverse effects of tobacco smoking on human health. The current second edition has integrated a large set of new data that have been published in numerous scientifc studies and meta-analyses over the past few years. Unfortunately, the harmful sequelae of tobacco smoking are played down by the ind- try and politicians in many industrialized countries. However, about 800,000 people/year in the EU die from the immediate consequences of smoking. The particularly insidious feature of tobacco consumption is that smoking-attributable harmful effects on health do not generally become apparent until three or four decades after smoking initiation. Although some positive changes in the legislative handling of tobacco have appeared in the past fve years, we still need to form a pact, sealed by politicians, the medical prof- sionals, teachers and the media, to target the problem across nations. In this respect, a minority of countries, including the US and the UK, have given positive examples. There are four areas that need to be improved in future: (1) strict bans on tobacco adv- tisement on a global level, (2) better measures to protect against side-stream (passive) smoke exposure, (3) establishment of prevention programs, especially for children and (4) tre- ment of tobacco addiction.

It is now 20 years since thoracoscopic surgery first entered everyday hospital practice, revolutionizing surgery and offering major benefits to patients. The intervening years have witnessed rapid progress, with the development of a variety of specialized techniques and equipment. This superbly illustrated book provides authoritative and comprehensive descriptions of the various minimally invasive techniques that are currently employed in thoracic and cardiac surgery. A wide range of thoracoscopic procedures are explained and discussed, and detailed attention is also paid to robotic and robot-assisted surgical techniques. Throughout, the emphasis is on clear description of procedures and identification of practical aspects of relevance in surgical practice. The authors are some of the world's most experienced thoracic and cardiac surgeons, and many of them have contributed greatly to the exploration and development of the field.

From epidemiology and pathogenesis to disease management, this book reviews our current understanding of and provides up-to-date information of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). A subtype of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIP), IPF is one of the most elusive and intractable respiratory disease to date and its triggering factors remain unclear. However, new developments such as serum markers that are highly specific to IPF (i.e. KL-6, SP-A, and SP-D), the establishment of systematic diagnostic imaging (HRCT) and accumulated reports of treatment using an antifibrotic agent (pirfenidone) are slowly improving our understanding of the disease. Edited by an established authority in the field and written by experts, this book will be valuable to not only to beginning learners but also to physicians, instructors and researchers whose work involves IIPs. With each chapter exploring critical questions, with unresolved issues and future prospects, the book offers a valuable resource for understanding issues such as the newly proposed entity of interstitial pneumonia with emphysema (combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema: CPFE) and the mechanism of how so many IIP sufferers develop lung cancer.

This major work, complete with 150 illustrations, many of them in color, bridges the gap between clinical pulmonary pathology and basic molecular science. Through a highly visual approach that features an abundance of tables and diagrams, the book offers a practical disease-based overview. The first two sections of the volume provide the reader with general concepts, terminology and procedures in molecular pathology. The remainder of the volume is subdivided into neoplastic and non-neoplastic lung diseases with detailed chapters covering the current molecular pathology of specific diseases. The book will be essential reading for pathologists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and other health care providers interested in lung disease.

Chapter 1. A Clinical Approach to Rare Lung Diseases Ralph Panos, M.D. Chapter 2. Clinical Trials for Rare Lung Diseases Jeffrey Krischer, Ph.D. Chapter 3. Idiopathic and Familial Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Jean M. Elwing, M.D., Gail Deutsch, M.D., William C. Nichols, Ph.D., and Timothy LeCras, Ph.D., Chapter 4. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Francis X. McCormack, M.D, and Elizabeth P. Henske, M.D., Ph.D. Chapter 5. Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis Bruce Trapnell, M.D., Koh Nakata, M.D., Ph.D., and Yoshikazu Inoue, M.D., Ph.D. Chapter 6. Mutations in Surfactant Protein C and Interstitial Lung Disease James P. Bridges, Ph. D. and Ralph Panos, M.D. Chapter 7. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Claire Shovlin, M.D and S. Paul Oh, Ph.D. Chapter 8. Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome Lisa Young, M.D. and Bill Gahl, M.D., Ph.D. Chapter 9. Alpha One Antitrypsin Deficiency Charlie Strange, M.D. and Sabrina Janciauskiene, Ph.D. Chapter 10. The Marfan Syndrome Amaresh Nath, M.D and Enid Neptune, M.D. Chapter 11. Surfactant Deficiency Disorders SP-B and ABCA3 Larry Nogee, M.D. Chapter 12. Pulmonary Capillary Hemangiomatosis Edward D. Chan, M.D., Kathryn Chmura, B.A, and Andrew Sullivan, M.D. Chapter 13. Goodpasture's Syndrome Gangadar Taduri, M.D., D.M., Raghu Kalluri, Ph.D., and Ralph P. Panos, M.D. Chapter 14. Primary Ciliary Diskinesia Michael R. Knowles, M.D., Hilda Morillas, M.D., Margaret W. Leigh, M.D., Maimoona Zariwala, Ph.D. Chapter 15. Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis Koichi Hagiwara, MD, Takeshi Jokoh, M.D., Teruo Tachibana, MD Chapter 16. Cystic Fibrosis Andre Cantin, M.D. Chapter 17. Pulmonary Langerhan's CellHistiocytosis Robert Vassallo, M.D. Chapter 18. Sarcoidosis Ralph Panos, M.D. and Andrew Fontenot, M.D. Chapter 19. Scleroderma Lung Disease Brent Kinder, M.D.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects millions of people across the world. COPD is not only a major burden to patients but is also costly and results in billions of dollars of direct and indirect costs annually. In recent years and with advancement of science, the understanding of COPD has improved significantly. Fortunately, current management guidelines consider COPD a preventable and treatable condition, and recent studies clearly indicate that available pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions may improve various clinical outcomes. COPD: A Guide to Diagnosis and Clinical Management offers an exciting, evidence-based assessment of the field and will be of significant interest to clinicians who care for patients with COPD, including primary care providers and specialists. Comprehensive and state-of-the-art, this title is authored by experts who took the task of developing a resource that focuses on the essential issues in caring for patients with COPD. The first four chapters of the book cover major points about the systemic nature of COPD, the clinical and physiological assessments, and the outcome measures and prognostic markers. In the following section, various pharmacologic and non-pharmacological management strategies are reviewed based on the available evidence. The final sections outline the non-pulmonary effects of COPD and their management. COPD: A Guide to Diagnosis and Clinical Management is a vital, evidence-based text that will prove invaluable for all clinicians who care for patients with this debilitating disorder.

Endoscopic Therapy is emerging as the preferred therapy for early neoplasia in Barrett's Esophagus. This volume provides the key decision making factors in determining endoscopic therapy for an individual patient. All current techniques and complications of ET are provided including, photodynamic therapy (PDT), APC, multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC), RF, ER, and cryotherapy. Each technique includes "how to highlights", high quality color endoscopic images, line drawings and diagrams. Endoscopic imaging modalities to detect dysplasia, decision making in the clinical arena and cost-effectiveness of ablation are some of the additional topics discussed in this highly practical volume. Written by experts in the field of endoscopic therapy, this text educates GI practitioners and researchers about this under-utilized approach to the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus.

An understanding of virus infection and the underlying role of the immune system in protection against these diseases is vital in today's medical climate. Previously, only symptoms could be treated, as there were no antiviral therapies. The increasing amounts of research and the huge number of discoveries of immunologic agents and pathways has led to the opportunity to look to the basic physiology of the various disease process as never before. This book is designed to provide the clinician with a thorough and yet approachable textbook describing the relationships between immunology, virology and the disease process.

This comprehensive resource brings together the most current theories, evidence and best practice parameters for the use of nocturnal non-invasive ventilation (nNIV). Chapters focus on the application of acute and chronic nNIV in patients with cardio-respiratory disorders over a range of major medical settings. Updates on past and recent research in this field are highlighted. Authored by leading clinicians and investigators, Nocturnal Non-Invasive Ventilation provides practical and cutting-edge knowledge to physicians, researchers and allied health professionals on the front lines of treating cardio-respiratory and sleep disorders.

This volume provides a modern look on the age-old influenza infection and the preventive role of anti-influenza shots. Influenza pandemic outbreaks are unrelenting despite the growing understanding of the molecular basis of viral infection and its spreads. A leap in medical technologies has revolutionized the design of new influenza vaccines. The chapters cover vaccination strategies in various age-groups of people and provide the extensive amount of knowledge on the immune response to influenza vaccination in a spectrum of disease conditions.