This book presents an overview of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), their mechanisms of antimicrobial action, other activities, and various problems that must still be overcome regarding their clinical application. Divided into four major parts, the book begins with a general overview of AMPs (Part I), and subsequently discusses the various mechanisms of antimicrobial action and methods for researching them (Part 2). It then addresses a range of activities other than antimicrobial action, such as cell penetration, antisepsis, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activities (Part 3), and explores the prospects of clinical application from various standpoints such as the selective toxicity, design, and discovery of AMPs (Part 4). A huge number of AMPs have been discovered in plants, insects, and vertebrates including humans, and constitute host defense systems against invading pathogenic microorganisms. Consequently, many attempts have been made to utilize AMPs as antibiotics. AMPs could help to solve the urgent problem of drug-resistant bacteria, and are also promising with regard to sepsis and cancer therapy. Gathering a wealth of information, this book will be a bible for all those seeking to develop antibiotics, anti-sepsis, or anticancer agents based on AMPs.

This contributed volume applies the insights of supramolecular chemistry to biomedical applications such as ions/water transport through nano-scale channels, gene therapy, tissue engineering and drug delivery, to cite some of the major investigations.The challenge is to understand the mechanisms of transport through tissues particularly in the therapeutic treatment of a disease where the active drug must be delivered directly to diseased cells without affecting healthy cells. As a result, smaller quantities of active substances can be used to treat the disease. Another interest concerns new ways to administer gene therapy. If genes are often delivered to their target cells by adapted viruses, the supramolecular non-viral 'vectors' using dynamic nano-frameworks and nano-structures are presented. In addition, it is important to reconstruct damaged tissues by mimicking natural processes in cells and polymers, such as tissue engineering and self-healing. Different options are here discussed: e.g. hydrogels based on chitosan, a carbohydrate polymer, are proving especially promising for tissue engineering and drug delivery. For controlled delivery of drugs or other biologically active compounds, hydrogels sensitive to the most important stimuli in the human body, such as temperature, pH, ionic strength, glucose and biomolecules released by the organism in pathological conditions have been developed. Finally, to assist and validate the experimental studies, computer modelling and simulations of large-sized molecular structures and systems using different molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical techniques are developed based on the experimental and chemistry synthesis. This book is of great interest for graduate students, researchers and health professionals interested in acquiring a better understanding of the mechanisms of medical treatments. In addition, it provides numerous tools to develop better therapies for human diseases.

The Side Effects of Drugs Annual was first published in 1977. It has been continually published since then, as a yearly update to the voluminous encyclopedia Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. Each new Annual continues to provide clinicians and medical investigators with a reliable and critical yearly survey of new data and trends in the area of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions. An international team of specialists has contributed to the Annuals by selecting critically from each year's writing all that is truly new and informative, by critically interpreting it, and by pointing to whatever is misleading.
*Provides a critical yearly survey of new data and trends
*Includes an essay that describes the modern approach to classifying adverse drug reactions
*Special reviews in this Annual include, among other topics: Antipsychotic drugs and now-onset diabetes mellitus, Treating asthma during pregnancy, and MMR vaccine and autism

This volume explores techniques that are currently used to understand solid target-specific models in computational toxicology. The chapters are divided into four sections and discuss topics such as molecular descriptors, QSAR and read-across; molecular and data modeling techniques to comply with both scientific and regulatory sides; computational toxicology in drug discovery; and strategies on how to predict various human-health toxicology endpoints. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the methods and software tools used, step-by-step, readily reproducible computational protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Computational Toxicology: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about this expanding field.

This is a review of clinical adverse effects on the human immune system that may occur following drug treatments and chemcical exposures. Current and prospective models and assays that can be used to predict these adverse effects in animal toxicity studies or in human beings are described.

Technological innovations have become the impetus for continuous developments in medical research. With the assistance of new technologies, effective drug delivery techniques have been improved for optimal patient care. Recent Advances in Drug Delivery Technology is a pivotal reference source for the latest scholarly research on the application of pharmaceutical technology to optimize techniques for drug delivery in patients. Focusing on novel approaches in pharmaceutical science, this book is ideally designed for medical practitioners, upper-level students, scientists, and researchers.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE NEW SCIENCE OF PSYCHEDELICS. Psychedelics are big news. From micro-dosing to mushroom clinics to celebrity-endorsed ayahuasca retreats in Peru, they are moving ever more into mainstream consciousness. But psychedelics are also set to change the face of medicine, our treatment for mental health conditions like depression, and our understanding of the human brain. Rooted in his team's world-leading research in the brain imaging of psychedelics, as well as years of hands-on experience treating patients, in Psychedelics Professor David Nutt will correct myths and misconceptions, equip us with the information to make informed decisions, and answer all your questions about this medical revolution.

Volume 22, entitled Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques, of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences deals with metal ions as tools in imaging. This dates back to the first half of the past century, when barium sulfate was orally given to patients undergoing X-ray examination. The use of contrast agents has since developed into a large interdisciplinary field encompassing not only medicine, but also chemistry, material sciences, physics, biology, engineering, and computer sciences. MILS-22 provides deep and current insights in 17 stimulating chapters on the new research frontiers of this fast growing field on bio-imaging ... and beyond. For example, adding bio-sensing yields theranostic agents, meaning diagnosis and therapy linked in the same molecule; ions of Gd, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, 99mTc, etc., are involved. Other important topics are, e.g., metal complexes in paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Transfer (paraCEST), radiometals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, or paramagnetic metal ion probes for 19F magnetic resonance imaging. MILS-22 is written by 57 internationally recognized experts from 12 countries, that is, from the US via Europe to China. The impact of this vibrant research area is manifested by more than 2300 references and nearly 120 figures, mostly in color, and several informative tables. To conclude, Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from material sciences, enzymology, analytic, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic ... not forgetting that also excellent information for teaching is provided.

This book provides a multidisciplinary review of antibiotic resistance and unravels the complex and interrelated roles of environmental sources, including pharmaceutical industry effluents, hospital and domestic effluents, wildlife and drinking water. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health issue in which the interface between humans, animals and the environment is particularly relevant. The contrasts seen across different environmental compartments and world regions, which are due to climate, social and policy differences, mean that this problem needs to be analyzed from a multi-geographic and multi-cultural angle. Bringing together contributions from researchers on different continents with expertise in antibiotic resistance in a range of different environmental compartments, the book offers a detailed reflection on the paths that make antibiotic resistance a global threat, and the state-of- the-art in antibiotic resistance surveillance and risk assessment in complex environmental matrices.

This book summarizes the fast-growing and current knowledge about selenium interaction with cancer, diabetes, neuro-degeneration, heart disease, muscle disorders, HIV and several more. A special focus will be placed on in-depth knowledge about gene expression, selenoprotein biosynthesis, seleno-metabolism--as well as the molecular pathways, physiological roles, and the molecular action of selenium including interaction with other elements and vitamins or as Se-nanoparticles. The reader will receive the newest information regarding redox status and redox regulatory systems, specifically in relation to different glutathione peroxidases and thioredoxin-reductases as well as about cellular bioavailability and cytotoxicity, de-balanced immune response, inflammation or dietary aspects.

This book presents an extensive study on the effectiveness of recent regulations on pharmaceutical prices in India, exploring the weaknesses in the design and implementation of pharmaceutical price controls and investigating what can be done to fix the broken system. In addition, it examines the extent to which essential medicines are actually made affordable by price controls. The book argues that companies make the pharmaceutical price control regime largely ineffective by coordinating to increase pre-regulation prices; by diversifying horizontally away from the regulated markets and increasing prices in the unregulated markets; by manipulating trade margins; and by refusing to comply with the regulation because the penalties remains negligible. The book draws on extensive empirical research involving India's 2013 Drug Price Control Order and widely-used medicines such as paracetamol and metformin to illustrate how firms have weakened regulation. It argues that the regulatory regime can be strengthened by using systematic analysis of product- and region-level data in the Indian pharmaceutical industry, and by screening for the strategies that firms currently employ to circumvent regulation. In closing, it discusses recent efforts to strengthen the implementation of price controls in India and expanding the scope of price controls to medical devices.

Androgens are critical regulators of prostate differentiation and function, as well as prostate cancer growth and survival. Therefore, androgen ablation is the preferred systemic treatment for disseminated prostate cancer. Androgen action is exerted in target tissues via binding the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear receptor transcription factor.

Historically, the gene expression program mediated by the AR has been poorly understood. However, recent gene expression profiling and more traditional single-gene characterization studies have revealed many androgen-regulated genes that are important mediators of androgen action in both normal and malignant prostate tissue. This book will focus on the androgen-regulated gene expression program, and examine how recently identified androgen-regulated genes are likely to contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer. Recent studies that have attempted to unravel how these genes are deregulated in androgen depletion independent prostate cancer will be included

This book aims to guide and inspire drug researchers as they enter the 21st century. Stereochemistry is an essential dimension in pharmacology and should be understood as such by all drug researchers whatever their background. When used as probes or medicines, stereoisomeric drugs offer invaluable insights or innovative therapeutic strategies. The book spans the subject from the molecular to the clinical. The first section on chemical aspects contains chapters on chemical synthesis, analysis, natural products, chiral stability (racemezation) and physical properties. The second section is on experimental pharmacology, with chapters on drug-receptor interactions, chiral recognition, ion channels, and molecular toxicology. The third section focuses on drug disposition, with chapters on absorption, distribution, protein binding, metabolism and elimination. The final section is dedicated to regulatory and clinical aspects.

For courses in Pharmacology. PHARMACOLOGY: CONNECTIONS TO NURSING PRACTICE, 2/e tightly links pharmacology to nursing practice and patient care, recognizing that for nurses, pharmacology is not an abstract academic discipline but rather a critical tool to prevent disease and promote healing and wellness. It offers unsurpassed features designed to illuminate connections between pharmacology and practice, from patient scenarios and practice applications to coverage of lifespan considerations, patient education, alternative therapies, and gender/cultural influences. Nine additional units illuminate the actions of individual drugs on each body system and disease. Learning is simplified through the use of prototype drugs, as well as outstanding full-color illustrations, complemented by 45 web-based animations. This edition covers 30+ new drugs, and offers updated information about dosages, indications, and adverse effects throughout, including Black Box Warnings.

For all courses on pharmacology in nursing programs. This up-to-date text helps nursing students master pharmacology by tightly linking it to therapeutic goals and patient wellness. Organized by body systems (units) and diseases (chapters), PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSES: A PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC APPROACH, 4/e provides complete information on the drug classifications used to treat each disease class. Students can easily locate all relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology in the same chapter where each drug is discussed. Exclusive Nursing Process Focus features clearly and concisely relates pharmacotherapy to patient assessment, nursing diagnoses, planning patient outcomes, implementing patient-centered care, and evaluating the outcomes. This new Fourth Edition links pharmacology to patient care through exceptionally accurate, attractive graphics, rich media resources, extensive self-assessment tools, and features covering complementary medicine; diverse patient/lifestyle considerations; and evidence-based practice. It has been thoroughly updated to reflect current pharmacologic drugs, drug classes, processes, mechanisms, and warnings; and the newest QSEN competencies and NCLEX question formats.

This volume elaborates on the research and clinical implications of the hereditary and molecular basis of childhood cancers. The focus of the 'disease-related' chapters of the book is to integrate what is known about the molecular basis of that particular clinical entity (or group of related entities) with the clinical manifestations, to relate the relationship of the molecular oncologic pathways with relevant developmental or non-human species biology in order to better understand the complexity of these systems. The resulting clinical implications of understanding this biology are elaborated on. Chapters 13-16 discuss the broader psychosocial, ethical and genetic counseling issues that arise and that are so critical to translating the knowledge gained from advances in molecular genetics into the clinic. Chapter 12 in particular provides a unique perspective of the application of this knowledge in less-developed nations where 'modern' technologies may not be readily available, but where the clinical manifestations of these disorders are prevalent.

Lipids are an integral part of cell membrane architecture, are intermediaries in cell metabolism, and are involved in transmitting cell signals from hormones, growth factors and nutrients. A number of lipases and phospholipases, lipid kinases, lipid phosphatases, sphingosine kinases, and their reaction products have been implicated in fundamental cellular processes including cell proliferation, division and migration. These enzymes and their products underlie the molecular mechanisms of numerous human diseases, in particular metabolic disease (diabetes), cancer, neurodegenerative disease and cardiovascular disease. Over the last decade, studies have advanced to the point that a number of inhibitors for these enzymes have been developed to attempt to ameliorate these conditions; some of the inhibitors are currently in human clinical trial. The need for this book is to review the current status of this field and the prospect for the inhibitors to be clinically important.