Driving further the research on mammalian alkaline phosphatase structure and function, Phosphatase Modulators collects expert contributions into one "how to" manual for basic scientists interested in initiating a drug discovery effort. While this book contains the traditional method chapters and some typical reviews on the structure and known functions of phosphatases, other contributions are meant to discuss approaches and alternatives useful in making "go/no-go" decisions in high throughput screening (HTS) and lead optimization campaigns. Many chapters focus on tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as well as protein phosphatases. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters in this volume include the kind of detail and key implementation advice that promotes reproducible results. Step-by-step and practical, Phosphatase Modulators offers a path to understanding many of the facets and complexities associated with undertaking a drug discovery effort and will serve as a roadmap to initiating those efforts.

New second edition of this pocket book containing concise and practical pharmaceutical information for busy clinical pharmacists.

This book uncovers the principles behind optimal neonatal and paediatric prescribing.

The goal of this book is to provide essential information on the use of different medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites for the treatment of various fungal diseases affecting human beings, animals and plants. It is divided in four parts: Part I examines the global distribution of plant-derived antifungal compounds, Part II deals with antifungal activities of plant metabolites, Part III includes plants used in Ayurveda and traditional systems for treating fungal diseases, and Part IV discusses the use of plant-derived products to protect plants against fungal diseases.

This book is a major update of novel targets in angiogenesis modulation, including pro- and anti-angiogenesis. There is in-depth coverage of preclinical and clinical methods and models, investigational status, and clinical applications. The impact of nanotechnology in advancing the applications of pro-and anti-angiogenesis strategies is also highlighted, along with stem cell and biotechnologies in research and development of angiogenesis modulating targets.

Metallomics and the Cell provides in an authoritative and timely manner in 16 stimulating chapters, written by 37 internationally recognized experts from 9 nations, and supported by more than 3000 references, several tables, and 110 illustrations, mostly in color, a most up-to-date view of the "metallomes" which, as defined in the "omics" world, describe the entire set of biomolecules that interact with or are affected by each metal ion. The most relevant tools for visualizing metal ions in the cell and the most suitable bioinformatic tools for browsing genomes to identify metal-binding proteins are also presented. Thus, MILS-12 is of relevance for structural and systems biology, inorganic biological chemistry, genetics, medicine, diagnostics, as well as teaching, etc.

The biological activity of mycotoxins ranges from weak and/or sometimes positive effects, such as antibacterial activity (see penicillin derivatives derived from Penicillium strains) to strong mutagenic (e. g. aflatoxins, patulin), carcinogenic (e. g. aflatoxins), teratogenic, neurotoxic (e. g. ochratoxins), nephrotoxic (e. g. fumonisins, citrinin), hepatotoxic, and immunotoxic (e. g. ochratoxins, diketopiperazines) activity. Nowadays, many laboratories around the world are specialized in the detection of mycotoxins in food products and contaminated material found in housing. In this volume, a focus on the most important classes of mycotoxins is provided and their chemistry of the last ten years is discussed. In each Section, the individual biological impact is outlined. Sections are arranged according to mycotoxin classes (e. g. aflatoxins) and/or structural classes (e. g. resorcinyl lactones, diketopiperazines). The biology of mycotoxins is also described.

This book would combine chapters written by the most qualified authors around the world whose research encompasses the effect of morphine or other opioids on tumor growth and metastasis. This includes clinicians involved in trials determining which type of post surgical pain management can minimize the risk of recurrence or metastasis, researchers working on animal models and studying the effect of morphine on tumors, and most importantly the mechanism for this effect, and lastly cell biologists. There is currently a lot of research going on trying to reconcile the pro- and anti-cancer aspects of opioids actions.

Six decades after the serendipitous discovery of chlorpromazine as an antipsychotic and four decades after the launch of clozapine, the first atypical or second generation antipsychotic, psychopharmacology has arrived at an important crossroad. It is clear that pharmacological research and pharmaceutical development must now focus on complementary or even alternative mechanisms of action to address unmet medical needs, i.e. poorly treated domains of schizophrenia, improved acceptance by patients, better adherence to medication, safety in psychoses in demented patients, and avoiding cardiac and metabolic adverse effects. The first completely novel mechanisms evolving from our insights into the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders, especially the role of glutamatergic mechanisms in schizophrenia, are now under development, and further principles are on the horizon. This situation, in many respects similar to that when the initial second-generation antipsychotics became available, can be rewarding for all. Preclinical and clinical researchers now have the opportunity to confirm their hypotheses and the pharmaceutical industry may be able to develop really novel classes of therapeutics. When we were approached by the publishers of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology to prepare a new volume on antipsychotics, our intention was to capture both, the accumulated preclinical and clinical knowledge about current antipsychotics as well as prospects for new and potentially more specific antischizophrenia principles. These efforts should be based on the pathophysiology of the diseases and the affected neurotransmitter systems. Since preclinical research on antipsychotic compounds is only reliable when intimately linked through translational aspects to clinical results, we decided to include clinical science as well. It turned out that that this endeavor could not be covered by a single volume. We thank the editorial board and the publishers for supporting our decision to prepare two volumes: Current Antipsychotics and Novel Antischizophrenia Treatments. These topics cannot really be separated from one another and should be seen as a composite entity despite the somewhat arbitrary separation of contributions into two volumes. The continuing challenges of developing improved and safer antipsychotic medications remain of concern and are discussed in the first volume. The new opportunities for the field to develop and license adjunctive treatments for the negative symptoms and cognitive deficits that are treated inadequately by existing compounds have been incentivized recently and provide the focus for the second volume. We hope these collective contributions will facilitate the development of improved treatments for the full range of symptomatology seen in the group of schizophrenias and other major psychotic disorders. Gerhard Gross, Ludwigshafen, Germany Mark A. Geyer, La Jolla, CA This volume will try to put current therapy - achievements, shortcomings, remaining medical needs - and emerging new targets into the context of increasing knowledge regarding the genetic and neurodevelopmental contributions to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Some of the chapters will also deal with respective experimental and clinical methodology, biomarkers, and translational aspects of drug development. Non-schizophrenia indications will be covered to some extent, but not exhaustively.

Biologics have revolutionised the treatment of many severe conditions, delivering exceptional clinical results but also producing exceptionally high prices. As patents expire, copies and price competition are expected throughout the world. However, due to the intrinsic heterogeneity and molecular complexity of biologic medicinal products, their copies cannot simply be authorized under the "generic rule" valid for small chemical entities. In response, a dedicated regulation was issued in the European Union. It is based on the concept of "biological medicinal products similar to a biological reference product", or "biosimilars". This book analyses the context of biotechnological production and addresses the European legal framework for biosimilar market approval. It highlights post-market authorisation issues, such as Risk Management Plans and substitution of products, and outlines some other issues, such as cost management and international nomenclature. This book is primarily intended for hospital-based physicians and pharmacists. It will also be a valuable resource for all actors from all countries who want to better understand the emergence of these new medicinal products within the European context.

Pharmaceutical manufacture is very exacting - for example, drugs must be uniform in size, shape, efficacy, bioavailability, and safety. The presence of different polymorphs in drug production is a serious problem, since different polymorphs differ in bioavailability, solubility, dissolution rate, chemical and physical stability, melting point, color, filterability, density, and flow properties. Fine Particles in Medicine and Pharmacy discusses particle size, shape, and composition and how they determine the choice of polymorph of a drug.

Here is a new book on methods and issues in clinical research. Its objectives can be summarized in three points. 1. Integrate medical and statistical components of clinical research. 2. Do justice to the operational and practical requirements of clinical research. 3. Give space to the ethical implications of methodological issues in clinical research. The book ends with a brief description of the drug development process and the phases of clinical development.

A comprehensive treatment of the characterisation techniques used in investigating inorganic and organic molecules that interact with biomolecules is presented to the reader in a clear fashion. The work consists of two parts: (i) synthetic aspects of metallointercalators along with targeting and improving transport and (ii) the various techniques that are used for probing their interactions, such as; DNA-NMR, PGSE-NMR, DNA ESI-MS, Linear and Circular Dichroism, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Confocal Microscopy, Viscosity, TGA and dialysis, Microarrays, biological analysis. Chapters are devoted to the synthesis and the techniques used to study the interactions of inorganic complexes with biomolecules. Considerably detailed examples are used to help illustrate the application of these techniques. This book is a useful resource for an array of inorganic and organic advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and for researchers in drug discovery.

In the late 1980s, Peptide Societies were established in Europe, the United States, and Japan, and more recently, in the Asian and the Pacific Rim regions including Australia, China, and Korea. At the time of the establishment of the American, European and Japanese Peptide Societies, the International Liaison Organizing Committee representing these Peptide Societies, along with the Australian Peptide Society, began discussions for holding international confer ences which would supercede or be held in lieu of the numerous individual meetings, held by the peptide societies of each individual country or region. The representative of the Chinese Peptide Society participated in these discus sion in the International Liaison Organizing Committee at the meeting of the American Peptide Symposium in Nashville, in June 1997. After lengthy discus sions over several years, we agreed to organize and host the International Peptide Symposium in Japan. The First International Peptide Symposium (IPS'97) was held on November 30-December 5, 1997, in Kyoto, and was co sponsored by four Peptide Societies. The attendance at this Symposium was 550 participants, including representatives from 32 different countries. We were very pleased with this outcome and anticipate an even larger attendance for forthcoming Symposia in future years. The revolution and advances in science and technology during the past two decades has caused traditional peptide chemistry to expand to peptide science, spreading from physical science to biology, pharmacology, and medicine.

This book is intended to serve as a resource for analysts in developing and troubleshooting sample preparation methods. These are critical activities in providing accurate and reliable data throughout the lifecycle of a drug product. This book is divided into four parts: * Part One covers dosage form and diluent properties that impact sample preparation of pharmaceutical dosage forms and the importance of sampling considerations in generating data representative of the drug product batch. * Part Two reviews specific sample preparation techniques typically used with pharmaceutical dosage forms. * Part Three discusses sample preparation method development for different types of dosage forms including addressing drug excipient interactions and post extraction considerations, as well as method validation and applying Quality by Design (QbD) principles to sample preparation methods. * Part Four examines additional topics in sample preparation including automation, investigating aberrant potency results, green chemistry considerations for sample preparation and the ideal case where no sample preparation is required for sample analysis.

Finally - a book that covers all aspects of the illicit use of cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy and/or designer drugs such as GHB, written by two experts in their field. The use of these drugs remains a continuous threat in health and medical care delivery, and this book will be an essential asset to the physician who may have to face the evaluation of patients whose use of these drugs compromises an effective treatment plan for other health issues. The book has been conceived to fill the void in existing physician reference materials, and provides a comprehensive review of the theoretical knowledge and scope of pharmacotherapy in individuals who are hooked on a psychoactive substance. While detailed scientific information is obtainable in other major articles, the book's straightforward format and style, along with its illustrations, will make for easy reading as emphasis is put on information specifically related to drugs that occur most abused in today's society. The information provided is based on clinical practice rather than pure experimental data, which will give the physician more effective tools useful in their daily practice. Many mechanisms of action of abuse are described in detail and references are provided to direct the reader to further sources for additional information. As a special feature, the book incorporates uncluttered tables and charts, which result in immediate clarification of the mode of action on the central nervous system and the reason for misuse, thus avoiding usual long and fatiguing text in common reference books. The book aims to give the reader a clear and concise plan on what to do when being faced with an overdose situation. A well-organized Table of Contents rapidly leads the reader from general pharmacological issues to the specific overdose syndrome and its management. Additionally, significant emphasis is placed on the practical do's and don'ts for physicians, with special reference to the predictive signs of aberrant drug-related behavior and the identification of the drug diverter by using urine drug screening.

Established as a classic text on nuclear chemistry and pharmacy, Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy has been thoroughly revised with new information added covering innovations in imaging technology and clinical applications in the field. The Sixth Edition also eliminates outdated information from previous editions on radiopharmaceuticals now discontinued from the market. Dr. Gopal B. Saha's books have continually been praised for their clarity and accuracy while setting new standards for making complex theoretical concepts readily understandable to the reader. Like past editions, this book is intended to be used as a textbook on nuclear chemistry and pharmacy for nuclear medicine residents and students and as a reference book for nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists. New sections in the Sixth Edition include: * PET/CT and SPECT/CT * Digital Imaging * Exploratory IND * Nanoparticle Imaging * Treatment of liver cancer with 90Y-TheraSpheres and 90Y-SIR-Spheres * Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with 131I-Bexxar

This volume tries to put current therapy - achievements, shortcomings, remaining medical needs - and emerging new targets into the context of increasing knowledge regarding the genetic and neurodevelopmental contributions to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Some of the chapters also deal with respective experimental and clinical methodology, biomarkers, and translational aspects of drug development. The volume concentrates on reviewing the ongoing research attempting to identify novel treatments for the cognitive deficits and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which are not treated adequately by current antipsychotic medications.

This Dictionary of Weighing Terms is a comprehensive practical guide to the terminology of weighing for all users of weighing instruments in industry and science. It explains more than 1000 terms of weighing technology and related areas; numerous illustrations assist understanding. The Dictionary of Weighing Terms is a joint work of the German Federal Institute of Physics and Metrology (PTB) and METTLER TOLEDO, the weighing instruments manufacturer. Special thanks go to Peter Brandes, Michael Denzel, and Dr. Oliver Mack of PTB, and to Richard Davis of BIPM, who with their technical knowledge have contributed to the success of this work. The Dictionary contains terms from the following fields: fundamentals of weighing, application and use of weighing instruments, international standards, legal requirements for weighing instruments, weighing accuracy. An index facilitates rapid location of the required term. The authors welcome suggestions and corrections at www.mt.com/w eighing-terms. Braunschweig (DE) and Greifensee (CH), The Authors Summer 2009 Foreword Since its founding in 1875, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) has had a unique role in mass metrology. The definition of the kilogram depends on an artefact conserved and used within our laboratories. The mass embodied in this - tefact defines the kilogram, and this information is disseminated throughout the world to promote uniformity of measurements. Although the definition of the kilogram may change in the re- tively near future, reflecting the success of new technologies and new requirements, the task of ensuring world-wide uniformity of mass measurements will remain.

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary handbook provides a bird's-eye view of two centuries of research on secondary metabolites of the two large Solanales families, Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae. In this book they're arranged according to their biosynthetic principles, while the occurrence and chemical structures of almost all known individual secondary metabolites are covered, which are found in hundreds of wild as well as cultivated solanaceous and convolvulaceous species.

Macromolecular drugs hold the promise of becoming new therapeutics for several major disorders, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. This incredible potential is explored in Macromolecular Drug Delivery, a volume which gives a wide-ranging overview of contemporary methods used in the field, and which addresses the limitations presented by a lack of safe and efficient drug delivery strategies. Chapters offer information on both in vitro and in vivo methods of macromolecular delivery, thus appealing to a broad scientific audience. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Macromolecular Drug Delivery offers a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, which should provide opportunities for new discoveries at the interface between disciplines. Ultimately, this cooperation will lead to the use of macromolecular drugs as novel diagnostic tools and, even more importantly, as a means to revolutionize the way we view and treat diseases.

After more than twenty years of use Good Laboratory Practice, or GLP, has attained a secure place in the world of testing chemicals and other "test items" with regard to their safety for humans and the environment. Gone are the days when the GLP regulations were hotly debated amongst scientists in academia and industry and were accused of stifling flexibility in, imaginative approaches to, and science-based conduct of, all kinds of studies concerned with toxic effects and other parameters important for the evaluation and assessment of products submitted for registration and permission to market. The GLP regulations have developed from rules on how to exactly document the planning, conduct and reporting of toxicity studies to a quality system for the management of a multitude of study types, from the simple determination of a physical/chemical parameter to the most complex field studies or ecotoxicology studies. At the same time the term "Good Laboratory Practice" has become somewhat of a slogan with the aim to characterise any reliably conducted laboratory work.

Antibiotics are truly miracle drugs. As a class, they are one of the only ones that actually cure disease as opposed to most drugs that only help relieve symptoms or control disease. Since bacteria that cause serious disease in humans are becoming more and more resistant to the antibiotics we have today, and because they will ultimately become resistant to any antibiotic that we use for treatment or for anything else, we need a steady supply of new antibiotics active against any resistant bacteria that arise. However, the antibiotics marketplace is no longer attractive for large pharmaceutical companies, the costs of development are skyrocketing because of ever more stringent requirements by the regulatory agencies, and finding new antibiotics active against resistant strains is getting harder and harder. These forces are all combining to deny us these miracle drugs when we need them the most. I provide a number of possible paths to shelter from this perfect storm.

2004 marks the 100th anniversary of the first description of the autoimmune disease paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a rare hemolytic disorder, by Julius Donath and Karl Landsteiner. After a century of research, the list of autoimmune diseases has become impressive. With a prevalence of approximately 5% of the world-wide population, these chronic, debilitating conditions affect almost every major organ of the body and, for reasons that remain unclear, are much more prevalent in woman than in men. Despite our rapidly expanding knowledge of the cellular and molecular pathways that govern a normal immune response, deciphering the precise etiology of autoimmune diseases remains an important challenge. Over the last few years, our understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has improved rapidly, leading to the emergence of elegant immunointervention strategies. Molecular Autoimmunity illustrates how cutting-edge research is continuing to advance our understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms and identifies novel therapeutic targets that provide a hope for effective future treatments. This volume contains a selected number of exciting advances in unraveling autoimmune reactions, and the resulting new armory of experimental immunotherapies that may lead to new ways of controlling autoimmune reactions.