Morphometry of the Human Lung considers the developments in understanding the quantitative anatomy of the lung, and in the correlation of anatomy with physiology. This book is composed of 11 chapters, and begins with an overview of a systematic approach to a quantitative morphologic analysis of the architecture of the human lung, followed by a presentation of general problems of methodology and the derivation of reliable dimensional models of this organ. The subsequent chapters describe the methods of preparation of tissues, methods of random sampling, and adaptation of methodologies from other fields of science. These topics are followed by discussions the mathematical formulations for the translation of the data into the desired geometric forms and a technique of counting. The final chapters look into the mode of distribution and geometric forms that should eventually facilitate mathematical and physical considerations regarding the function of the lungs. These chapters also consider the application of these quantitative methods to the study of pathologic specimens, providing a most timely renovation of morphologic pathology. This book will be of value to pulmonologists, physiologists, and researchers who are interested in lung morphometry.

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.

Medicine is grounded in the natural sciences, where biology stands out with regard to our understanding of human physiology and the conditions that cause dysfunction. Ironically though, evolutionary biology is a relatively disregarded field. One reason for this omission is that evolution is deemed a slow process. Indeed, the macroanatomical features of our species have changed very little in the last 300,000 years. A more detailed look, however, reveals that novel ecological contingencies, partly in relation to cultural evolution, have brought about subtle changes pertaining to metabolism and immunology, including adaptations to dietary innovations, as well as adaptations to the exposure to novel pathogens. Rapid pathogen evolution and evolution of cancer cells cause major problems for the immune system. Moreover, many adaptations to past ecologies have actually turned into risk factors for somatic disease and psychological disorder in our modern worlds (i.e. mismatch), among which epidemics of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, as well as several forms of cancer stand out. One could add depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions to the list. The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Medicine is a compilation of up-to-date insights into the evolutionary history of ourselves as a species, exploring how and why our evolved design may convey vulnerability to disease. Written in a classic textbook style emphasising physiology and pathophysiology of all major organ systems, the Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Medicine is valuable reading for students as well as scholars in the fields of medicine, biology, anthropology and psychology.

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 disease affects more than 600 million people worldwide. While some of these lung diseases have an obvious developmental component, there is growing appreciation that processes and pathways critical for normal lung development are also important for postnatal tissue homeostasis and are dysregulated in lung disease. This book provides an authoritative review of fetal and neonatal lung development and is designed to provide a diverse group of scientists, spanning the basic to clinical research spectrum, with the latest developments on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of normal lung development and injury-repair processes, and how they are dysregulated in disease. The book covers genetics, omics, and systems biology as well as new imaging techniques that are transforming studies of lung development. The reader will learn where the field of lung development has been, where it is presently, and where it is going in order to improve outcomes for patients with common and rare lung diseases.

Dail and Hammar’s Pulmonary Pathology has established itself as the definitive reference in the field. This third edition is now a two-volume, full color text and has been thoroughly updated to cover newly recognized entities and the latest advances in molecular diagnostic techniques. It is abundantly illustrated with more than 2,000 illustrations in total, 1,900 of which are in full color. This first volume focuses on Nonneoplastic lung diseases, and Volume II covers Neoplastic Lung Diseases. It is an outstanding contribution to pathology literature and a must-have for the library of every surgical and pulmonary pathologist.

It is rare indeed for one book to be both a first-rate classroom text and a major contribution to scholarship. The Pathway for Oxygen is such a book, offering a new approach to respiratory physiology and morphology that quantitatively links the two. Professionalism in science has led to a compartmentalization of biology. Function is the domain of the physiologist, structure that of the morphologist, and they often operate with vastly disparate concepts and procedures. Yet the performance of the respiratory system depends both on structural and on functional properties that cannot be separated. The first chapter of The Pathway for Oxygen engages the student with the design and function of the vertebrate respiratory organs from a comparative viewpoint. The second chapter adds to that foundation the link between cell energetics and oxygen needs of the whole animal. With Chapter 3 the excitement begins--new ideas, fresh attacks on old problems, and a fuller account of the power of the quantitative approach Dr. Weibel has pioneered. The Pathway for Oxygen will be read eagerly by medical students, graduate students, advanced undergraduates in zoology--and by their professors.

Fully rewritten and updated for the cutting-edge sixth edition, Spencer's Pathology of the Lung follows in its predecessors' footsteps as the gold-standard textbook of pulmonary diseases. All recognized diseases of the lungs are discussed and illustrated with extensive, high-quality color images. Each chapter includes practical, clear and concise diagnostic features, including immunohistochemistry, molecular tests and differential diagnoses, while rare entities are discussed and illustrated in detail. This thoroughly reworked edition includes new classification schemes and the latest understanding of the pathophysiology and molecular aspects of a wide range of diseases. Non-neoplastic diseases are presented according to epidemiology, genetics, clinical manifestations, radiographic findings, pathology, cytology, laboratory findings, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and natural history. Neoplasms are discussed according to cell or origin with sections devoted to genetics, molecular findings and clinicopathologic correlations. Downloadable versions of all images are available on a CD-ROM packaged with the print book. Written and edited by leading experts in the field, this is an essential resource for practising and trainee pathologists.

Setting out the principles of stereology from a statistical viewpoint, this book focuses on both basic theory and practical implications. The authors discuss ways to effectively communicate statistical issues to clients, draw attention to common methodological errors, and provide references to essential literature. The first full text on design-based stereology opens with a review of classical and modern stereology, followed by a treatment of mathematical foundations and then on to core techniques. The final chapters discuss implementing techniques in practical sampling designs, summarize understanding of the variance of stereological estimators, and describe open problems for further research. The book also details isotropic, vertical or local sampling designs for estimating stereological parameters such as volume, surface area, particle number and spatial distribution. This extensive text offers support to statistical consultants using examples, applications and unique Advice to Consultants sections. It contains numerous literature references, bibliographic notes and nearly 150 illustrations.

Are animals designed economically? The theory of symmorphosis predicts that the size of the parts in a system must be matched to the overall functional demand. Weibel shows how animals as different as shrews, pronghorns, dogs, goats--even humans--all develop from essentially the same blueprint by variation of design.