The use of stem cells to help with lung regeneration and repair is a novel therapy which could help phase out the need for conventional surgical or pharmacological approaches currently employed to treat diseases of the lung or other organs. The present book explores all avenues of this new form of medical care, moving swiftly, but in depth, from the basic science of lung development, to the analyses of different stem cell types available for regeneration and on to the application of this knowledge base in initial clinical trials. In this volume a stellar group of researchers converge, from different angles, to help towards clarifying the basic mechanisms of lung repair. These range from basic concepts of regeneration and lung development, the analyses of a variety of cell types that may be involved in lung repair, to ways of creating complex lung structures, including artificial and bioartificial lungs. The book offers an insight into repair mechanisms of the diseased lung, the role of specific lung niches and provides information on initial clinical trials as well as the use of stem cells as vehicles for gene therapy. Ingenious technological aspects of assessing stem cell engraftment of stem cell bioprocessing are also included in this volume.

This book provides a detailed account of the principles and practice of contemporary lung transplantation. An accomplished, international team of contributing authors have combined their expertise to provide scientific developments and clinical knowledge based on their extensive experience. The book covers pulmonary vascular and parenchymal lung disease, which necessitate transplantation, together with all aspects of the multidisciplinary management of lung transplant patients. It concludes by looking at future developments in the treatment of advanced respiratory failure. This multidisciplinary approach makes the publication suitable for several subspecialities in addition to pulmonary medicine and lung transplantation, including haematology, radiology and clinical psychology. It will serve as a valuable source of reference and practical information for medical specialists in transplantation and all those working in thoracic organ transplant units.

Nitric oxide research has emerged as one of the most important areas in bone and joint diseases. First published in 1998, this book draws together knowledge on the actions of this mediator and its role in such common diseases as arthritis and osteoporosis. It introduces the basic biology and biochemistry of nitric oxide, the immune response and bone biology. It reviews in depth the facts we know today and the future promise of this exciting area of research. The book will give scientists and clinicians a unique insight into this increasingly important area. It also emphasises potential treatments which exploit our understanding of the role of nitric oxide in bone and joint disease.