Pharmacology Books

Book SynopsisClinical research monitoring is a vital aspect of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Its principles are straightforward: they are aimed at protecting those subjects that participate in the trial, and their goal is to provide reliable data that will contribute to the safety and efficacy of the intervention under study, i.e. to support the health of future subjects. However, the practical implementation of these major goals is complicated. Various mishaps have happened in recent history, and an extensive set of international rules and regulations have emerged.This book gives a thorough survey of the ethical and legal aspects of clinical research and provides a detailed guideline for implementing these aspects into the practice of studying investigational medicinal products in humans, in the European context. It can be used as a study aid for starting monitors, a reference guide for more experienced monitors, and anyone else involved in clinical research.Related Link(s)

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Book SynopsisThis book is a fascinating overview of one of the first pharmacogenetic traits to be identified as responsible for genetic variation in response to drugs — the understanding of the arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) is linked to many important therapeutic areas, particularly tuberculosis and also cancer. NATs have been important in the metabolism of established anti-tubercular drugs and also in carcinogenesis and susceptibility to bladder cancer. The reach of these enzymes spans pharmacology and therapeutics as well as toxicology and pharmacogenetics. The NAT genes are encoded in a highly polymorphic region of the human genome which has been explored for fine mapping in molecular anthropological studies.The book takes a wide ranging approach covering all aspects of the arylamine N-acetyltransferases from genetics to the chemistry and structural biology of the enzymes in the organisms in which they are found, from humans to bacteria and fungi where they appear to have distinct roles. The coverage is by experts in the field from across the globe.

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Book SynopsisEnsuring the safety of new medical products remains a major challenge for the pharmaceutical industry. Cardiac safety, particularly drug-induced heart rhythm abnormalities, remains an important cause of pipeline attrition and has resulted in countless major product recalls or label changes. The risk of encountering this major adverse event continues to shape the drug development and regulatory landscape.Extensive research over the past decade has shed light on the root causes of arrhythmias that are triggered by medications and has helped drive, and optimize, drug safety testing. However, current cardiac safety platforms have several limitations and there remains a pressing unmet need to improve the predictive power of today's drug safety tests.Fundamental to addressing the problem of drug-induced arrhythmias, and to reducing the impact of this safety signal on drug development, is a complete understanding of how these events may arise, what cardiac safety tests are currently used, and what opportunities there are to enhance patient safety and reduce the risk of detecting cardiac toxicity in later stages of product commercialization. By introducing the reader to these core concepts, this book delivers key insight into the increasingly important and dynamic field of cardiac safety.Table of ContentsChallenges Facing the Pharmaceutical Industry in the 21st Century; The Cellular Basis of Cardiac Electrophysiology; Clinical Arrhythmia Syndromes; The Mechanisms Underlying Cardiac Arrhythmias; The Mechanisms Underlying Drug-Induced Arrhythmias; Assessing Cardiac Safety in Drug Development; Pediatric Cardiac Safety; Drug-Induced Atrial Fibrillation; Navigating the Future Path of Cardiac Drug Safety.

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Book SynopsisThe interaction of a drug with a receptor generates a code of information having components of affinity and efficacy. How this information is translated into a response depends on the unique cells, tissue, organ or system in which the receptor resides. This book describes how to analyze various responses to estimate the affinity and efficacy components of the initial drug-receptor interaction. More specifically, it describes how to measure the affinity and efficacy of drugs through the analysis of single receptor activity, the activation state of a population of receptors, and responses downstream from receptor activation. More light is thrown on ligand-gated ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors in this book.The topics discussed include radioligand binding, estimation of agonist affinity and efficacy, competitive antagonism, inverse agonism, allosteric agonists and modulators, agonist bias, modulation of pathway selectivity, and the estimation of ligand affinity for active and inactive receptor states. The natural history and structure of ligand-gated ion channels, G proteins, and G protein-coupled receptors are also discussed.Table of ContentsLigand-Gated Ion Channels: Structure and Function of GABAA and Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors; Estimation of the Affinity and Efficacy of Orthosteric Ligands at Ligand-Gated Ion Channels; Allosteric Modulation of Ligand-Gated Ion Channels; G Protein-Coupled Receptors: G Protein-Coupled Receptors, G Proteins and Their Signaling Pathways; Affinity and Efficacy of the Agonist-Receptor-G Protein Interaction; Estimating Affinity and Efficacy by Reverse-Engineering the Response to Orthosteric Ligands; Analysis of Competitive Antagonism of the Response to Agonists; Allosteric Modulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptors; Ligand-Directed Signaling; Radioligand Binding: Analysis of Radioligand Binding Data.

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Book SynopsisThroughout history, the perpetuation of species, the need for survival, and human curiosity, intelligence and skills provided the basis for the development of drug science. This unique book, Discoveries in Pharmacological Sciences, contains the history of herbal medicine as it emerged about 5,000 years ago. Recent discoveries in genetics are integrated with the observations in the past. An understanding of the history of drugs and toxic chemicals is essential for the proper utility of these substances by the population at large. The book is written with the purpose to familiarize drug research of the investigators in chemical, pharmaceutical, pharmacological, and biomedical sciences. It is important to note that plants containing morphine, quinine, physostigmine, pilocarpine, atropine, d-tubocurarine, reserpine, tetrahydrocannabinol, cardiac glycosides, ephedrine and colchicine were used by various cultures for centuries. Since 1805 pure, active, therapeutic constituents were isolated and chemically characterized. Parallel to these developments, the science of human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics and pharmacology has advanced. New synthetic drugs were discovered. The chemistry of perfumes and sensory functions including memory were elucidated. The history of fascinating discoveries made by scientists of Nobel repute was documented. Better testing methods were developed. The causes of many diseases were better understood. Drug laws were instituted a century ago. The pharmaceutical industry flourished. The text provides a panoramic view of the understanding of when, where, who, how and why drugs were developed. Educational aspects of teaching pharmacological sciences are reviewed. The historical account will be invaluable to graduate students and creative scientists, who can prepare for the future.The book will serve to enhance the cumulative scientific knowledge of the investigators in drug discovery. It contains a well integrated wealth of information in drug sciences and pharmacotherapeutics. The time, place and the human side of investigators, their portraits with biographical sketches are presented.The reading of Discoveries in Pharmacological Sciences will satisfy the intellectual curiosity of investigators. Understanding of Discoveries in Pharmacological Sciences will provide a platform to judge the importance of the personalized medicine of tomorrow. Scattered classical information about drug sciences is effectively condensed here. The development of the scientific thoughts and creativity of the investigators through the ages in drug research are presented admirably.Table of ContentsEvolution; Human Migration; Diseases and Treatments; Ancient Medicine and the Discovery of Natural Therapeutic Agents; History of Anesthesia; Acupuncture; Hypnosis; Mesmerism; Anesthetics and Hypnotics; Emergence of Modern Medicine; Contributions of Anatomists and Physiologists to the Neurofunctional Outline of the Nervous System; Pharmacology Comes of Age; Discovery of Receptors and Related Events; A Century of Receptors and Transduction; Development of Drug Laws and Quantitation; Drug Discoveries; Growth of Drug Industry; Research Institutions and Universities.

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Book SynopsisThe worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS is well recognized. This book provides for the first time a thorough and critical overview of current aspects, recent developments, and trends in the formulation and drug delivery concerning anti-HIV microbicides by leading scientists in the field. Additionally, pertinent regulatory aspects and socioeconomical issues related to the subject are discussed. In the absence of a cure, prophylaxis represents a cornerstone in the battle against infection. One promising strategy comprises the use around the time of sexual intercourse of vaginal/rectal products containing antiviral compounds, termed microbicides. It is now recognized that specific development of drug dosage forms and/or drug delivery systems is an indispensable aspect for the success of microbicides. Different groups strived over the last decade to optimize the biophysical and technological performance of traditional dosage forms (gels, tablets, and suppositories) to fulfill the specificities of microbicides use, without neglecting users’ preferences and affordability issues. Moreover, new formulation approaches, such as vaginal rings and films, nanotechnology-based systems, stimuli-sensitive formulations, targeted drug delivery systems, among others have been proposed and are currently undergoing pre-clinical or even clinical testing. Trade Review"HIV prevention requires a multidisciplinary approach, even when focusing on a particular biomedical intervention such as anti-HIV microbicides. This book offers a comprehensive, integrative, and balanced overview on various aspects of microbicides, including mechanisms of transmission, drug development, and clinical and regulatory aspects, with a special emphasis on formulation. It is therefore equally useful for specialized basic, pharmacological, clinical, and biotechnological scientists and will hopefully stimulate future interdisciplinary research for prevention."—Prof. Guido Vanham, Virology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium"This treatise offers an insightful analysis on the opportunities that drug delivery technologies can afford in HIV microbicide development. It provides first-of-its-kind comprehensive overview of the challenges in microbicide delivery as well as opportunities to develop novel formulations such as polymeric implants, stimuli-responsive nanotechnology, and strategies to alter the microbiome. It also addresses the issues of socioeconomics, compliance, and regulatory oversight in the development of novel microbicides."—Prof. Mansoor M. Amiji, Distinguished Professor and Chairman, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, USATable of ContentsPreface. Microbicides and the HIV Pandemic. HIV Transmission Models: Lessons Learned for Microbicide Formulation Design. Challenges in Microbicide Drug Delivery: Identifying Targets and Evolving Strategies. Safety Issues Related with Microbicide Formulations. Biophysics, Drug Transport Modeling and Performance of Microbicide Formulations. Dosage Forms for Microbicides Formulation: Advantages and Pitfalls. Microbicide Vaginal Rings. Vaginal Microbicide Films. Rectal Microbicide Development, Formulation and Delivery. Design of Stimuli-Sensitive Microbicide Formulations. Nanotechnology-Based Systems for Microbicide Development; Nanofibers for Microbicide Drug Delivery. Modified Microflora for Microbicide Drug Delivery. Scale-up, Affordability and Intellectual Property Issues Related with Microbicide Formulation Development. Regulatory Issues Pertaining Microbicide Products.Socioeconomic and Behavioral Factors Influencing Choice, Adherence and Success of Microbicide Formulations.

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Book SynopsisIntravitreal injections (injections into the eye) are a new form of treatment for various conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and vascular eye problems. The use of these injections has become so widespread that most departments around the world (and particularly in the U.K) do not have enough doctors to meet the service provision demands of an ever increasing number of patients. Many departments have trialed training ophthalmic nurse practitioners as a solution and the number of such specifically trained nurses is set to rise exponentially in the future. This book is meant to be an easy to carry A5 handbook detailing all that an ophthalmic nurse practitioner needs to know about performing the procedure. It is hoped that the book will also be of benefit to trainee ophthalmologists learning the procedure.As this is an emerging area of expertise in ophthalmology, currently there exists no other books on the topic. The readers will benefit from having a single resource detailing all that they need to know about the procedure. This means that nurses will not have to cross reference multiple complicated ophthalmic textbooks. As an A5 handbook, it will be easy to carry and reference in clinics. It is deliberately meant to be concise (around 100 pages), thus concentrating only on the core knowledge required.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Basics; Investigations; Technique; Complications; Prototype Training Structure; Setting up a Wetlab; Organising a Dedicated Clean Room; Further Reading; Appendices Intravitreal Injection Checklist; Basic Life Support Algorithm; Anaphylaxis Algorithm.

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Book SynopsisThis book is the first of its kind in bringing together biodiversity, chemical ecology, phytochemistry and cancer therapy. The highlight of the book is an exhaustive compilation of scientific data on biodiversity of medicinal plants, biodiversity and metagenomics, chemical ecology of medicinal plants, chemical ecology of marine organisms, natural products from terrestrial microbial organisms with activity towards cancer cells, marine organisms, ethnopharmacology and phytotherapy, contribution of African flora in world fight against cancer, natural products derived from terrestrial plants with activity towards cancer cells and established anticancer drugs from natural origin.The book discusses the state-of-the-art of each topic to serve as reference resource tools for graduate students as well as scientists and scholars in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicine and ethnopharmacology, complementary and alternative medicine, medical and public health sciences and others. It includes cutting-edge developments in anticancer discovery from both medicinal plants and organisms.Table of ContentsBiodiversity of Medicinal Plants (Kirsten Yacoub, Katharina Cibis and Corinna Risch); Biodiversity and Metagenomics (Eva-Maria Surmann and Thomas Efferth); Chemical Ecology of Medicinal Plants (C Kersten, S Lenz and J Wich); Chemical Ecology of Marine Organisms (Andre Antunes and Thomas Efferth); Natural Products from Terrestrial Microbial Organisms with Cytotoxic Cell Cycle Inhibitors (Theresa Dreis, Caroline Gartner and Julia Krebs); Marine Compounds (Honek and Thomas Efferth); Ethnopharmacology and Phytotherapy (Ariane Lohnert, Susanne Lohnert, Viktoriya Mogilevskaya, and Sandra Schick); Contribution of African Flora in a World Fight against Cancer (Victor Kuete and Thomas Efferth); Natural Products Derived from Terrestrial Plants with Activity Towards Cancer Cells (Sonia Falenska, Ina Kirmes, Stephanie Kletting, Irini Karagianni and Karen Duffy); Established Anticancer Drugs from Natural Origin (Clara Becker, Kerstin Hoffmann, Laura Hoffmann, Tanya King, Franziska Faulstich, Katrin Viertel, Victor Kuete and Thomas Efferth).

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Book SynopsisThis textbook is a comprehensive overview of the development of cell-based biopharmaceuticals. Beginning with the underlying biology of stem cell and cell-based products, it traces the long and complex journey from preclinical concept to initiation of a pivotal clinical trial and the potential business model behind it.The book also takes into consideration the different regulatory landscapes and their continuous evolution in Europe, North America and other parts of the world. The authors describe a path to manufacture a clinical grade therapeutic that passes all necessary quality measures as a robust and marketable product including an outlook on next generation products and innovative strategies.This reference book is a must-have guide for any professional already active in biopharmaceuticals and anyone interested in getting involved in a scientific, medical or business capacity.Table of ContentsWhy Cell Therapy; Risk Based Approach; Preclinical Development; Clinical Development; Process Development and Manufacturing; Materials; Banking; Quality Control and Pharmaceutical Development; Quality Management; Product Release; Pharmacovigilance; Cell-Based Therapy Trials; Personalised Cell Therapy And Biomarkers; Commercialisation of Cell Products; Next-Generation Cell Therapies; Extracellular Vesicles for Therapy;

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Book SynopsisThis book presents the multifaceted aspects of rare earth elements (REEs), focusing on both their potential benefits and adverse health effects. The adverse impacts of REEs on human and environmental health raise a growing concern not only in the scientific community but also among a number of stakeholders, potentially including students, media workers, and decision makers. The recognized and potential benefits arising from REE-related technological applications may envisage their further advantages.A limited number of books have been devoted so far to REEs, and they mainly focus on REE-related chemistry, mineralogy, economy, and developing technologies for these elements. This book presents recent research achievements in REE-associated health effects, which have been mostly confined to journal reports on individual laboratory studies so far. It is an updated and balanced approach to REE research and technology. It provides novel yet established information as stated in the title "At the Crossroads between Toxicity and Safety," with particular emphasis on the hormesis phenomenon. Trade Review"Rare earth elements are involved in a number of essential technological applications. Their effects raise a number of challenges in environmental sciences and in human health. The present book provides an extensive and balanced survey of the manifold—adverse and favorable—effects associated with rare earth elements."—Prof. Dr. José L. Domingo, Rovira i Virgili University, Spain"The present book is a valuable tool to gain insight into the complex and sometimes surprising health effects of rare earth elements. Especially interesting—due to my field of research—are the chapters addressed to the study of the changes in redox endpoints in a number of organisms and cell systems. This carefully edited book, with a multidisciplinary view of rare earth elements, is really an important scientific contribution." —Prof. Dr. Federico V. Pallardó, University of Valencia, Spain"I congratulate the authors for this timely production of an extensive overview of an important topic in environmental and medical sciences: the risks and challenges that may be connected with increasing use and distribution of rare earth elements. It is essential to increase our knowledge about the environmental fate and biological effects of these technologically so important metals in order to prevent unforeseen long-term consequences of our doing. This book will surely become an important resource for scientists, engineers, and decision makers who understand the need of a sensible exploitation of this resource." —Prof. Dr. Susanne Heise, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, GermanyTable of ContentsTrends in Occupational Toxicology of Rare Earth Elements. Levels and Biodistribution of Rare Earths in Human Tissues. Rare Earth Elements, Oxidative Stress and Disease. Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles-associated Oxidant and Antioxidant Effects and Mechanism. Rare Earth Elements and Plants. Rare Earth Elements and Microorganisms. Rare Earth Element Toxicity to Marine and Freshwater Algae. Exposure to Rare Earth Elements in Animals: a Systematic Review of Biological Effects in Mammals, Fish and Invertebrates. Hazard Assessment and the Evaluation of Rare Earth Element Dose-Response Relationships. Rare earth elements as phosphate binders: From kidneys to lakes. Rare Earth Elements: Modulation of Calcium-Driven Processes in Epithelium and Stroma. Rare Earth Elements Equilibria in Aqueous Media. Conclusions and Research Priorities.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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