Nicholas S. Hill - Böcker

Endophytic fungi belonging to the Balansieae tribe were first hypothesized to cause poor livestock performance in 1977 and, in 1980, the association was validated. The fungi were extensively studied and classified according to morphology, their life cycles exam- ined to determine methods to eliminate the fungi in grasses, and practical methods devel- oped for livestock producers to eliminate endophyte-infected plants from pastures and establish endophyte-free plants. Hindsight illustrates how primitive was our understanding of the associations between endophyte, grass plant, and animal. The plant/endophyte asso- ciations, thought to be rare cases, have now been identified in grasses that are adapted from tropical to nearly arctic, and from marshland to desert climatic regimes.In the two decades that have passed since the first endophyte-plant-animal associa- tion was made, the scientific community has re-classified the endophytic fungi twice (now the genus Neotyphodium), ~he systematics and ecological role of endophytes have been more clearly defined, endophytes and grasses are now generally accepted as mutualistic symbionts, the chemistry of toxins and their functions defined, beneficial effects of endo- phytes on plants identified, and commercial ventures have emerged based upon endophyte research in the turfgrass and livestock industries.

Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation offers practical, evidence-based advice from experienced authors on the selection of appropriate patients, equipment and techniques used in the initiation of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). It discusses how to anticipate and resolve possible problem scenarios, and how to implement and monitor NPPV programs both in hospitals and in the patient''s home. Defined as ventilatory assistance given without the need for an invasive airway, NPPV is often preferred over invasive mechanical ventilation because it is more convenient to use, more comfortable for the patient, and avoids complications of invasive mechanical ventilation including upper airway trauma, nosocomial pneumonias, sinusitis and sepsis. However, recipients of NPPV must be carefully selected and considerable skill and experience are necessary for successful implementation. This book aims to provide readers with knowledge that will contribute to that success.Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation will inform pulmonary internists and pediatricians, pulmonary physiatrists and physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists who are involved in the management of patients with respiratory failure, critical care physicians and nurses, and trainees and students who have an interest in mechanical ventilation.

Endophytic fungi belonging to the Balansieae tribe were first hypothesized to cause poor livestock performance in 1977 and, in 1980, the association was validated. The fungi were extensively studied and classified according to morphology, their life cycles exam- ined to determine methods to eliminate the fungi in grasses, and practical methods devel- oped for livestock producers to eliminate endophyte-infected plants from pastures and establish endophyte-free plants. Hindsight illustrates how primitive was our understanding of the associations between endophyte, grass plant, and animal. The plant/endophyte asso- ciations, thought to be rare cases, have now been identified in grasses that are adapted from tropical to nearly arctic, and from marshland to desert climatic regimes.In the two decades that have passed since the first endophyte-plant-animal associa- tion was made, the scientific community has re-classified the endophytic fungi twice (now the genus Neotyphodium), ~he systematics and ecological role of endophytes have been more clearly defined, endophytes and grasses are now generally accepted as mutualistic symbionts, the chemistry of toxins and their functions defined, beneficial effects of endo- phytes on plants identified, and commercial ventures have emerged based upon endophyte research in the turfgrass and livestock industries.

This timely volume addresses the areas of pathophysiology and therapy of pulmonary hypertension, which have seen exciting developments over the past decade. The discoveries of endothelin overexpression as well as prostacyclin and nitric oxide deficiency in association with pulmonary hypertension have led to important therapeutic insights. The new therapies have led to significant improvements in patient function, quality of life and survival. In this book, expert authors describe these new therapies. It will be of interest not only to cardiologists, pulmonary specialists and rheumatologists, but also many nurses and pharmacotherapists.