Endothelial dysfunction is broadly defined as a disruption of the balance between vasoactive mediators and a propensity towards an inflammatory state. This volume provides an overview of the fields of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation through the discussion of topics ranging from the molecular biology of activated endothelial cells to the endothelium in inflammatory disease and therapeutic approaches targeting endothelial dysfunction. Topics include: Heterogeneity of the endothelium during inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, biology and regulation of nitric oxide in inflammatory pathologies, endothelial dysfunction in inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis and Clinical methods used to assess endothelial function. This book brings together basic and clinical research to assist the reader in bridging connections from bench-to-bedside. Written by expert researchers in the fields of endothelial biology, inflammation research and clinical science, it serves as a useful reference for academic and industrial researchers, clinicians, and trainees in the medical profession.

The endothelium enables communication between blood and tissues and is actively involved in cardiovascular homeostasis. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as an early step in the development of cardiovascular diseases: respectively, endothelium represents a potential therapeutic niche with multiple targets. The purpose of the book is to point out some recent findings of endothelial physiology and pathophysiology emphasizing various aspects of endothelial dysfunction connected to the body's internal and external environment. While basic features of the endothelium are presented in an introductory chapter, the authors of the following 17 chapters have provided extensive insight into some selected topics of endothelial (dys)function. The book would hopefully be useful for anyone interested in recapitulating endothelial (patho)physiology and expanding knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction, relevant also for further clinical investigations.

The microcirculation is highly responsive to, and a vital participant in, the inflammatory response. All segments of the microvasculature (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) exhibit characteristic phenotypic changes during inflammation that appear to be directed toward enhancing the delivery of inflammatory cells to the injured/infected tissue, isolating the region from healthy tissue and the systemic circulation, and setting the stage for tissue repair and regeneration. The best characterized responses of the microcirculation to inflammation include impaired vasomotor function, reduced capillary perfusion, adhesion of leukocytes and platelets, activation of the coagulation cascade, and enhanced thrombosis, increased vascular permeability, and an increase in the rate of proliferation of blood and lymphatic vessels. A variety of cells that normally circulate in blood (leukocytes, platelets) or reside within the vessel wall (endothelial cells, pericytes) or in the perivascular space (mast cells, macrophages) are activated in response to inflammation. The activation products and chemical mediators released from these cells act through different well-characterized signaling pathways to induce the phenotypic changes in microvessel function that accompany inflammation. Drugs that target a specific microvascular response to inflammation, such as leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion or angiogenesis, have shown promise in both the preclinical and clinical studies of inflammatory disease. Future research efforts in this area will likely identify new avenues for therapeutic intervention in inflammation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Historical Perspectives / Anatomical Considerations / Impaired Vasomotor Responses / Capillary Perfusion / Angiogenesis / Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion / Platelet-Vessel Wall Interactions / Coagulation and Thrombosis / Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction / Epilogue / References

The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References

New updated edition first published with Cambridge University Press. This new edition includes 29 chapters on topics as diverse as pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, vascular haemodynamics, haemostasis, thrombophilia and post-amputation pain syndromes.

This comprehensive book is written to inform and improve outcomes of patients in need of blood management during surgical procedures. Information is presented in an accessible format, allowing for immediate use in clinical practice. Beginning with an overview of the history of blood transfusions, early chapters present the foundational information needed to comprehend information in later chapters. Nuanced procedures, drugs, and techniques are covered, including new biologicals to assist clotting and blood substitutes. Further discussions focus on potential complications seen in blood transfusions, such as diseases of the coagulation system, pathogen transmissions, and acute lung injuries. Chapters also examine the complexities of treating specific demographics, of which include the geriatric patient and patients suffering from substance abuse. Essentials of Blood Product Management in Anesthesia Practice is an invaluable guide for anesthesiologists, surgeons, trauma physicians, and solid organ transplant providers.

The field of pediatric hypertension has undergone important changes in the time since the second edition of Pediatric Hypertension published. Much new information on hypertension in the young has become available. Previous chapters have been fully revised and new chapters have been added to cover important topics of recent interest such as consensus recommendations, the prevalence of hypertension in the young due to the obesity epidemic, studies of antihypertensive agents, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Pediatric Hypertension, Third Edition is a comprehensive volume featuring 38 chapters covering the breadth of the current knowledge. It is divided into four sections: Regulation of Blood Pressure in Children; Assessment of Blood Pressure in Children: Measurement, Normative Data, Epidemiology; and Hypertension in Children: Predictors, Risk Factors, and Special Populations; Evaluation and Management of Pediatric Hypertension. Filled with the most up-to-date information, Pediatric Hypertension, Third Edition is an invaluable resource for clinicians and researchers interested in childhood hypertension.

It has been known for over 150 years that hallmarks of inflammation can be observed in the wall of atherosclerotic vessels. It was, however, not clear if this inflammation is the cause or the consequence of atherogenesis. More recently, it has become evident that inflammation mediated both by innate and adaptive immunity is instrumental even in the earliest stages of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, i.e., that it plays an important pathogenetic role. In this volume, international experts in the field discuss the pathogenetic, diagnostic, preventive and possible therapeutic relevance of inflammation in atherogenesis. This book is intended for researchers and physicians in the fields of vascular biology, immunology and atherosclerosis.

Offering a broad appeal to microbiologists, immunologists, and infectious disease specialists, this four volume encyclopedia covers all autoimmune, tropical, and infectious diseases. Emphasis will also be placed on genetics, physiology, metabolism, pathogenesis and applied microbiology. Under the leadership of some of the most world renowned names in the field, the encyclopedia will bring together an outstanding collection of contributions by top scientists in a variety of fields. Volumes 1-3: Diseases will be divided by the 11 main sections of the body, namely Integumentary, Skeletal, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive. For some of the autoimmune disease, more then one system will be involved but the delineation serves to broadly break down the diseases into systems. Volume 4 will cover the vaccines for said diseases and future prospects will be offered by leaders in industry and academia. Volume 4 will also be broken down into all the body systems, as in the other two volumes. For each vaccine, for each disease, and in each system the following will be included: • A list of the vaccines currently available along with a list of the companies that manufacture them • Molecular Immunology of the Vaccine • Type of Immunity involved in protection • Mode of Vaccination for each vaccine; repeated boosters and length of immunological memory • Commercial production of vaccines • Storage of vaccines • Standardization and Control of Vaccines • WHO programs and World-Wide Disease Eradication Programs based upon Vaccines.

In the past two decades a number of studies have shown that abnormalities in the function and structure of coronary microcirculation can be detected in several cardiovascular diseases. On the basis of the clinical setting in which it occurs, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) can be classified into four types: CMD in the absence of any other cardiac disease; CMD in myocardial diseases; CMD in obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease; and iatrogenic CMD. In some instances CMD represents an epiphenomenon, whereas in others it represents an important marker of risk or may contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia, thus becoming a possible therapeutic target. This book provides an update on coronary physiology and a systematic assessment of microvascular abnormalities in cardiovascular diseases, in the hope that it will assist clinicians in prevention, detection and management of CMD in their everyday activity.