Lung Epithelial Biology in the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Disease provides a one-stop resource capturing developments in lung epithelial biology related to basic physiology, pathophysiology, and links to human disease. The book provides access to knowledge of molecular and cellular aspects of lung homeostasis and repair, including the molecular basis of lung epithelial intercellular communication and lung epithelial channels and transporters. Also included is coverage of lung epithelial biology as it relates to fluid balance, basic ion/fluid molecular processes, and human disease. Useful to physician and clinical scientists, the contents of this book compile the important and most current findings about the role of epithelial cells in lung disease. Medical and graduate students, postdoctoral and clinical fellows, as well as clinicians interested in the mechanistic basis for lung disease will benefit from the books examination of principles of lung epithelium functions in physiological condition. - Provides a single source of information on lung epithelial junctions and transporters - Discusses of the role of the epithelium in lung homeostasis and disease - Includes capsule summaries of main conclusions as well as highlights of future directions in the field - Covers the mechanistic basis for lung disease for a range of audiences

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.

Lung epithelial biology is focused on the study of epithelial cells present in the lungs. These cells are located in the interface between the organism and the environment, and perform various significant functions like fluid balance, barrier protection, surfactant and mucus production, as well as inducing immune responses. The respiratory epithelium acts as a functional and physical barrier responsible for safeguarding against infectious agents. The alveolar surface is stacked with membranous pneumocytes called granular pneumocytes, type I alveolar epithelial cells (AEC I) and type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II). AEC I are thin, squamous and large cells that contribute in gaseous exchange. These cells also create a barrier to detect microbial products for initiating inflammatory responses. AEC II are cuboidal cells responsible for epithelium reparation upon injury and ion transport. These are also involved in lung defense through the secretion of antimicrobial products, like complement, lysozyme, and surfactant proteins (SP). This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the study of lung epithelial biology. Researchers and students engaged in the treatment of pulmonary diseases will be assisted by it.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, largely irreversible lung condition characterised by airflow obstruction. Although cigarette smoking is the single most important risk factor in its development, other associations and risk factors are thought to have increasing relevance throughout the world. COPD is usually managed in primary care, although it is commonly under-diagnosed, and is one of the most common medical conditions necessitating admission to hospital. The second edition of the ABC of COPD provides the entire multidisciplinary team with a reliable, up-to-date and accessible account of COPD. Extensively updated by experienced clinicians - including new chapters on spirometry, inhalers, oxygen, death, dying and end of life issues - this ABC is an authoritative and practical guide for general practitioners, practice nurses, specialist nurses, medical students, paramedical staff, junior doctors, non-specialist doctors and all other health professionals working in both primary and secondary care.

Knowledge about the mechanisms of lung development has been growing rapidly, especially with regard to cellular and molecular aspects of growth and differentiation. This authoritative international volume reviews key aspects of lung development in health and disease by providing a comprehensive review of the complex series of cellular and molecular interactions required for lung development. It covers such topics as pulmonary hypoplasia, effects of malnutrition, and pulmaonary angiogenesis. An indispensable reference for all those involved in studying or treating lung disease in neonates and children, the book offers a unique view of the development of this essential organ.

The commercialization of biotechnology has resulted in an intensive search for new biological resources for the purposes of increasing food productivity, medicinal applications, energy production, and various other applications. Although biotechnology has produced many benefits for humanity, the exploitation of the planet's natural resources has also resulted in some undesirable consequences such as diminished species biodiversity, climate change, environmental contamination, and intellectual property right and patent concerns.This book discusses the role of biological, ecological, environmental, ethical, and economic issues in the interaction between biotechnology and biodiversity, using different contexts. No other book has discussed all of these issues in a comprehensive manner. Of special interest is their impact when biotechnology is shared between developed and developing countries, and the lack of recognition of the rights of indigenous populations and traditional farmers in developing countries by large multinational corporations.

Viral respiratory tract infections are important and common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past two decades, several novel viral respiratory infections have emerged with epidemic potential that threaten global health security. This Monograph aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and other viral respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, avian influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus, through six chapters written by authoritative experts from around the globe.