This book shares the latest research and practice-oriented findings in medical sciences with a wide audience. It addresses a range of contemporary issues, often unresolved or contentious, across various medical fields, including advances in the management of hemorrhagic brain stroke. It also discusses metastatic renal cell carcinoma - a global scourge with an extremely poor long-term survival prognosis, the course and sequelae of renal cell carcinoma, as well as advances in targeted molecular therapy with sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Further, it examines the molecular targeting of proliferative signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Other articles cover clearance of toxins in hemodialyzed patients; the search for diagnostic and therapeutic markers in the connective tissue disease scleroderma; obesity linked to inappropriate dietary habit; clinical problems related to the diagnosis of sensitization to fungi and its role in asthma; and reasons for the perilous trend of avoiding basic vaccinations in children. Lastly, the book explores the rapid developments in e-health technologies that increase access to health services, particularly for the elderly. The book is intended for clinical specialists, researchers, and all allied health professionals from various fields.

This book presents an update on new trends and developments in broadly defined medical disciplines. The whole range of multidisciplinary topics are tackled, regarded as being important for advancing the understanding of disease pathogenicity, diagnostic methods, and patient management. The topics include a holistic approach to physiotherapy, with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation at the core of it, potential ways to protect kidneys during ischemic coronary interventions, and psychosocial aspects in cancer survivors. Other topics deal with growth hormone deficiency in short children and responses of molecular markers of bone metabolism to growth hormone replacement therapy and with the modern use of transcranial laser-induced photobiomodulation showing surprising benefits in autism disorder. The expert contributions take on the challenges presented to medical professionals by ever growing medical knowledge and various individual and contextual issues that require a multidisciplinary approach in patient management. The authors present a bench-to-bed clinical research to make useful additions to the knowledge on contemporary diagnostic procedures, therapy, and quality of life of patients. The book aims to provide stimulus for new research ideas and to give new perspectives on practical clinical issues. The book is intended for primary care clinicians, family physicians, medical scholars, and other clinicians who treat and manage patients.

Lung cancer and autoimmune diseases are complex entities in that they involve gene disturbance, gene polymorphism, and impaired gene repair mechanisms. The volume focuses on altered gene expression in tumor processes and in chronic autoimmune disorders. The chapters discuss the biological rationale for novel disease protein markers, present relevant clinical results, and give some diagnostic and therapeutic tips.

The dynamics of body metabolism are changed in the disease process and interact with physical activity. The alteration of metabolism and its consequences raise the need for simple and reliable methods for assessment of body composition. The chapters aim to investigate various interacting components converging on metabolic changes in lung and muscle tissues taking into consideration the drug effects. The effects of exercise and nutritional status are dealt with at a great extent.

This book tackles the role of interrelated conditions in the manifestation and course of pulmonary ailments. The articles run the gamut from basic to clinical science on such topics as airway allergy challenges, pulmonary dysfunction due to exposure to environmental pollution, molecular and functional aspects of smoking in lung carcinogenesis and in obstruction-related respiratory disorders, and others. Attention is directed to the developments in rehabilitative and lifestyle interventions in chronic disabilities, particularly involving neuromotor and stress-related conditions which, with advancing age, may lead to the deterioration of ventilation, with hypoxic sequelae. Enhanced research and awareness concerning the lung health drive better treatments and quality of life. Clinical insights presented in the book underscore a major role played by the science in transmuting biomedical knowledge into a better patient management. The volume is addressed to clinicians, researchers, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals engaged in effective patient care and therapy.

This book, an international collaborative effort in the area of molecular respiratory research, showcases a broad range of multidisciplinary approaches to unravel and analyze the underlying mechanisms of a spectrum of respiratory ailments. It discusses immunological and genetic respiratory disorders, cancer, respiratory allergies and cough, sleep disordered breathing and many others. Exciting new results and up-to-date critical overviews of widely debated topics pertaining to respiratory disorders are presented. The contributions provide evidence for the growing interest of the international community of researchers in the field of respiration. The book incorporates modern molecular approaches to diagnostic and treatment solutions, underscoring the need for rational, evidence-based treatment methods. Combining cutting edge basic and clinical research with expert knowledge and experience this book is essential reading for medical students, research scientists and practicing specialists in pulmonology, immunology and allergology.

This book focuses on issues in clinical practice and research that are of general interest. The articles primarily focus on understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of diseases, their prevention, and therapy. The topics addressed include cardiovascular regulation with regard to blood pressure and heart rate variability, and to coupling blood pressure changes with subarachnoid fluid oscillations. In addition, the book discusses recent advances in the diagnostics of and targeted molecular therapy for renal and pancreatic malignancies, growth disorders, vitamin D and calcium homeostasis in children in the context of neonatal urolithiasis, and neurosurgical interventions in multifarious age-related diseases of the vertebrae. Neuropsychological aspects of patients' quality of life and of shaping medical staff's attitude toward patients are also addressed. The respective articles are intended to build a bridge between basic and clinical research. Further, the book enhances the current body of knowledge on diagnostics and patient treatment and offers valuable new perspectives on practical clinical issues. As such, it offers a unique resource for clinicians, family physicians, medical scholars, and professionals engaged in patient management.

This book, written for pulmonary and family doctors, general practitioners, allergologists, and neuropsychologists, presents cutting-edge clinical research and therapy-oriented knowledge in the field of respiratory medicine. Clinical knowledge is undergoing dramatic improvement. Respiration is one such prominent field. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of respiratory ailments and the regulation of lung ventilation is essential for advances in pharmacotherapy and the patient's quality of life. The book discusses a wide scope of topics, notably, innovations in detection and management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as COPD or asthma, acute infections of the respiratory tract, airway allergies and hyper-responsiveness, lung cancer, interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary function in health, disease and aging, sleep disordered breathing, interaction between the respiratory system and other bodily functions, and psychosomatic aspects of disease. After all, respiration is generated and integrated by the brain; therefore brain function is influential in respiratory regulation. The book is a platform that fosters the exchange of new clinical data between clinicians and academic neuroscientists, bringing a unique blend of medical diagnosis and practice to the leadership in respiratory medicine.

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.

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.

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.

The mechanistic basis of chronic inflammation remains unclear. The research sheds new light on the immune cells expressing the activation markers HLA-DR and regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the cells expressing Siglec receptors as being key players in the immune system responsiveness to antigens and thus in lung tissue damage of chronic inflammation. The results help understand the mechanisms of action of common drugs used in COPD, such as formoterol, tiotropium, or corticosteroids, and point to novel drug targets. The chapters also deal with brain damaging effects, by far unrecognized, of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, a time-proven management of chronic inflammatory airway conditions; asthma being a case in point. Novel methods, likely less producing side effects, of macrolide antibiotics administration by inhalation are discussed, emphasizing not only bacteriostatic but also anti-inflammatory action.

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.

The book is an update on contentious or unsettled issues concerning invasive diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in cancer and related disorders, focusing on the surgical approach. Topics include recommendations for the best practice in using the surgery safety checklist, surgical strategies in a variety of thoracic cancers, renal cell carcinoma, tumors of parathyroid glands, mesothelioma, and bariatric surgeries. The focus is on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of aggressive cancerous entities, choosing the most beneficial modes for optimal outcomes and patient survival. Chapters also address radioimaging and therapy outcomes in different intracranial lesions leading to severe neurological disabilities. The areas of medical practice addressed are still veiled in uncertainty, yet-unresolved pathogenetic background, and have a substantial component of empirical rather than evidence-based clinical approach. Pursuing and sharing new ideas and innovations is essential for improving the management and outcome. The book endeavors to disseminate and deliberate on the latest medical knowledge, studies, and advancements in surgical and diagnostic dealing with cancer. The book is addressed to physicians and surgeons, and all allied health care professionals engaged in patient care and therapy.

This book shares the experimental findings and views in current multidisciplinary medical science combining both basic and applied research aimed at resolving problematic health issues. The key topics address contagious diseases, in particular the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management of influenza and influenza-like infections as well as brain tuberculosis. Pulmonary medicine is represented by articles addressing a range of practical issues, including the diagnosis, symptoms, comorbidities, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, a syndrome whose incidence shows a persistent upward trend worldwide. Other articles address the pathogenesis of air pollution toxicity and allergy and sensory irritation in toxic exposure studies. An intriguing relation of atopic dermatitis to depression and serotoninergic system is debated. The book attempts to integrate research into clinical work and to implement findings to improve care and to decrease suffering from diseases. It is dedicated to the practicing professionals, researchers, and all engaged in health care.

This book discusses a wide range of investigations and practice-oriented advances in pulmonary medicine and critical care. Pulmonary diseases are a major cause of hospitalization and mortality, affecting millions of people worldwide. Addressing a range of topics, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and lung cancer, the book offers insights into the disease mechanisms and risk factors, along with practical aspects concerning the maintenance of quality of life, adherence to therapy, and palliative treatment and care. Further, it explores diagnostic and treatment approaches to respiratory dysfunction and respiratory failure, highlighting the beneficial effects of good sleep quality in chronic pulmonary conditions and lung transplant patients. The book also presents novel experimental research on the cellular voltage-gated sodium channels in the mechanism of pathological cough, which is particularly relevant for future targeted antitussive therapy. Lastly, it addresses the epidemiological aspects of pulmonary infections. As such, this book is a valuable resource for medical scholars, clinicians, family physicians, and other professionals seeking to improve the management of respiratory diseases.

This book focuses on recent advances regarding clinical conditions and ailments whose mechanisms remain unclear, limiting our ability to treat them. The respective chapters address a range of multidisciplinary topics related to timely or emergent research areas, such as osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, the optimal surgical procedures for vertebral compression fractures, novel rehabilitative approaches in pelvic muscle training in case of urinary incontinence, and a rational approach to balneotherapy not only for the skin but also other organ systems disorders. Alterations in the endocrine function during strenuous physical activity at high altitude - a multi-stressor environment comprising hypobaric hypoxia, exercise, and nutritional changes - are presented as well. Other articles provide evidence-based insights into the diagnosis, mechanisms, and clinical course of respiratory infections in children such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and influenza. Finally, the pros and cons of e-health are discussed; a rapidly growing area based on the use of information and communication technology to streamline the flow of health information and patient-healthcare provider connections. The content is a well-structured blend of research and practical aspects, as well as updates on cutting-edge developments. All these essential topics are presented in a format suitable for medical professionals engaged in day-to-day patient care and therapy, as well as researchers, academics, and physiotherapists.

A host of neurotransmitters and neuroactive substances underlies respiratory regulation in health and disease. The centerpiece of investigations regarding adaptation to hypoxia and sensorial perception has been the dopaminergic system. It is now clear that a complex interaction among various neuroactive substances, rather than a single one, forms the basis of respiratory changes. The research on neurotransmitter interactions provides the knowledge of how the brain functions and a new level of understanding of mind-to-body connection, which opens up avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.

This book presents original articles that report on new approaches and developments involving pulmonary disorders. Pulmonary health attracts public concern as lungs are the first line of defense of the organism against various contagions and are directly influenced by all too often unhealthy constituents of ambient air, which make them vulnerable to diseases. The articles deal with the pathogenic background and most relevant practical aspects of the widespread pulmonary disorders. Topics include the mechanisms and treatment options of sleep apnea syndrome, occupational exposure to carbon dioxide, and the research on prognostic factors in lung cancer. Another theme tackles quality of life in chronic pathologies and the psychosocial factors, often underestimated, having influence on lung function already in adolescence, and thus liable to shape adult pulmonary morbidity. Reports on the course of recent influenza outbreaks and a rather dismal state of anti-influenza measures top off the content. The volume is addressed to clinicians and researchers, pulmonary doctors, and other professionals engaged in patient care and therapy.

This book gathers multidisciplinary articles that present advances of our understanding of diseases and the effective treatment of patients. The authors share recent clinical and experimental research findings, highlighting poorly understood areas with uncertain treatment outcomes, such as giant-cell bone tumors and their propensity to metastasize to the lungs; subterranean rehabilitation in pulmonary disorders; male reproductive hormone regulation during physical exercise in hyperbaric, hyperoxic environments, like underwater diving; and amelioration of cognitive decline owing to increased cerebral blood transit time after internal carotid artery stenting. Other topics include new concepts and innovations in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy, and leg ulcers in chronic venous insufficiency, as well as molecular research on the toxic effects of oxidative stress, impaired cell autophagy, and experimental conditions resembling air pollution. Featuring the latest interdisciplinary advances in biomedicine, this book is a valuable resource for medical professionals, both academics and practitioners, and all allied health-care workers.

Both communicable and noncommunicable diseases of the respiratory system are an increasing healthcare problem despite medical advances. This book aims at unraveling the mechanisms and improving the treatment of pulmonary pathologies, ranging from such common conditions like influenza and related viral infections, functional lung dysfunction, to lung lesions and others. Chapters present late-breaking findings in the diagnostics, pharmacotherapy, and clinical evidence-based decision-making to provide results that can be used to improve healthcare and quality of life. Extending new knowledge and exploring recent medical advances, the book will hopefully help enrich research and clinical experience regarding important respiratory issues. The book is intended for general practitioners and all professionals engaged in the pulmonary field, from basic scientists to clinical investigators.

Pulmonary disorders significantly contribute to the current level of disease burden. Effective disease management is essential for improving clinical outcomes and quality of life. This book highlights the issues involved with diagnosing and managing various pulmonary conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, respiratory tract infections, including those developing as a sequel of antibiotic treatment, and others. Investigations on novel diagnostic procedures and potential biomarkers of diseases are discussed, along with disease presentations and management. Preventive measures related to lifestyle and air quality, with the implications on patients care, are tackled as well. Progress in clinical savvy is inseparably linked with getting an insight into the pathogenesis of a condition. This book presents views and information on the research developments in the rapidly changing field of pneumology. Target readership: clinicians and researchers, family practitioners, and trainees.

Clinical investigation plays an essential role in the differential diagnosis, biomarker development, and therapy and cure of diseases. The book presents a bench-to-bed approach, with broad empirical coverage by experienced practitioners. The articles include topics like cytokine receptors in lung cancer, conduciveness of oxidative stress to carcinogenesis, safety and effectiveness of surgical correction of deformed chest, diagnostic and treatment regimens in inflammation-ridden obstructive lung conditions, alterations in growth hormone secretion leading to disorders of growth and metabolism, microbiota transplantation in pediatric patients, and the promising markers of renal epithelial injury. Yet another issue concerns the restructuring of chronic pain management by establishing the community-based specialized pain clinics. The book aims to disseminate and deliberate on the latest interdisciplinary medical knowledge to enhance clinical outcomes. Being a blend of clinical investigation and practice the book is addressed to physicians, scientists, and allied health care professionals.

This book embraces a comprehensive range of research across several disciplines, providing insights and fresh perspectives on clinical topics, emphasizing the integrative medical approach. The book also addresses an increasing role of artificial intelligence in the development of clinical methodologies, research, and patient-oriented care. The authors share expertise and experience in rehabilitation medicine whose healing-effects particularly depend on the interaction between the therapist and patient. Chapters present novel approaches in manual rehabilitative therapy of common painful and disabling neuromuscular ailments, exemplified but not limited to low back pain and migraine. The myofascial trigger point release therapy includes specific manipulations to muscles and connective tissue which reduce pain. Other chapters address the issues of providing long-range medical care to older adults burdened with chronic diseases, notably hypoxia-related pathologies and their sequalae, pointing to the advantages of care provided by a single primary care physician. Changing paradigm of care is essential in chronic atherosclerosis-based diseases like cardiovascular disorders or diabetes. Chapters provide results of international cohort studies on predictive factors for the long-range progress of such ailments based on anthropometric and lifestyle indicators. The book aims to meet the increasing interest and importance to patients of integrative health therapies. Medical rehabilitation and lifestyle changes increasingly gain scientific support in difficult-to-treat chronic conditions and should be integrated in a controlled manner into conventional medicine. The book is addressed to physiotherapists, medical scientists and clinicians, and allied healthcare professionals.

This book describes various aspects of current scientific interest in clinical developments and management of pulmonary pathologies. Non-communicable and communicable disorders are tackled. Chronic disorders of an inflammatory background, such as COPD and asthma, often overlapping, diagnostically and therapeutically misguided and always difficult to manage, are in focus due to an increasing prevalence across the age range. The authors dwell on the disease management, exacerbations, care and therapy, taking into account all too often overlooked psychosomatic determinants. Novel markers of pulmonary sarcoidosis, also an inflammatory disease, albeit of unknown etiology, are described. The outstanding lung images of cystic fibrosis are presented in another chapter. Finally, there are reports on the extent of the influenza scourge in Poland during the past 2016/2017 epidemic season. The book is addressed to clinicians, family physicians, medical scholars, and all professionals engaged in the preservation of respiratory health.