This is a technically detailed state-of-the-art text on phosphodiesterase inhibition and the practical applications of theophylline and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors in asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease. It contains important new information on the mechanisms of drug action and on the inhibition of individual isoenzymes of the phosphodiesterase enzyme family as a potentially useful, safe, and non-toxic approach to asthma therapy.

In the present volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology well known experts describe the actions of different xanthines with a focus on caffeine and theophylline. A special chapter is devoted to theobromine, an active component of chocolate, the actions of which are less well characterized. This book also presents the pharmacology of one xanthine derivative, propentofylline, as an example of a xanthine that has gone through extensive development for a novel therapeutic area.

This report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research reviews the history of caffeine usage, the metabolism of caffeine, and its physiological effects. The effects of caffeine on physical performance, cognitive function and alertness, and alleviation of sleep deprivation impairments are discussed in light of recent scientific literature. The impact of caffeine consumption on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease, reproduction, bone mineral density, and fluid homeostasis are reviewed. The behavioral effects of caffeine are also discussed, including the effect of caffeine on reaction to stress, withdrawal effects, and detrimental effects of high intakes. The amounts of caffeine found to enhance vigilance and reaction time consistently are reviewed and recommendations are made with respect to amounts of caffeine appropriate for maintaining alertness of military personnel during field operations. Recommendations are also provided on the need for appropriate labeling of caffeine-containing supplements, and education of military personnel on the use of these supplements. A brief review of some alternatives to caffeine is also provided.

In recent years our understanding of molecular mechanisms of drug action and interindividual variability in drug response has grown enormously. Meanwhile, the practice of anesthesiology has expanded to the preoperative environment and numerous locations outside the OR. Anesthetic Pharmacology: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice, 2nd edition, is an outstanding therapeutic resource in anesthesia and critical care: Section 1 introduces the principles of drug action, Section 2 presents the molecular, cellular and integrated physiology of the target organ/functional system and Section 3 reviews the pharmacology and toxicology of anesthetic drugs. The new Section 4, Therapeutics of Clinical Practice, provides integrated and comparative pharmacology and the practical application of drugs in daily clinical practice. Edited by three highly acclaimed academic anesthetic pharmacologists, with contributions from an international team of experts, and illustrated in full colour, this is a sophisticated, user-friendly resource for all practitioners providing care in the perioperative period.

This book covers all the pharmacology you need, from basic science pharmacology and pathophysiology, through to clinical pharmacology to therapeutics, in line with the integrated approach of new medical curricula. The first section covers the basic principles, and the rest is organised by body systems. The book ends with sections on toxicity and prescribing practice. Integrates basic science pharmacology, clinical pharmacology and therapeutics Brief review of pathophysiology of major diseases Case histories and multiple choice questions (and answers) Tabular presentation of all common drugs within each class Section on further reading Kinetics chapter simplified with more practical examples Includes more on genetic issues Drug tables made more concise to make information more accessible Fully updated to reflect current clinical practice

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

This comprehensive, first-of-its kind title is an indispensable resource for pharmacists looking to learn or improve crucial patient assessment skills relevant to all pharmacy practice settings. Pharmacists’ role as health care practitioners is evolving as they are taking a more active part in primary patient care -- helping patients manage their medications and diseases, providing patient education, and, in some jurisdictions, prescribing and adapting medications. To perform their day-to-day duties, pharmacists are best-served using a framework called the patient care process. This framework involves three steps: patient assessment; care plan development and implementation; and monitoring and follow up. Organized in four parts, this practical book begins with introductory chapters regarding the basics of patient assessment and the patient care process. Part II includes a detailed assessment of common symptoms encountered by pharmacists. Part III discusses assessment of patients with various chronic illnesses. Part IV addresses select specialized topics and assessment considerations. An invaluable contribution to the literature, Patient Assessment in Clinical Pharmacy: A Comprehensive Guide will be of great benefit to pharmacists, regardless of their practice setting, and to pharmacy students as well.

Cough is the most familiar symptom of respiratory disease, and a problem which general practitioners must deal with on a daily basis. This timely volume draws together a wealth of recent research into the mechanisms, pharmacology and therapies for cough, and places these in clinical context. The text incorporates guidelines on the most common causes of cough, discusses treatments and pitfalls in management, summarizes current research on physiology, pharmacology and treatment of cough, and gives practical advice on diagnosis and management issues for the clinician. Cough: Causes, Mechanisms and Therapy is the most comprehensive, up-to-date account of the subject. It will update clinical and basic medical scientists, and promote future research. Readers are encouraged to implement the clinical implications of the discussion into routine practice. This volume will appeal to all those involved in the treatment of respiratory disease, particularly those in hospital respiratory units, and will also be of use to interested general practitioners.

Nutrition and Functional Foods for Healthy Aging aims to equip anyone studying geriatric nutrition or working with aging adults with the latest scientific reviews of critical topics. The major objective of this book is to review, in detail, the health problems of the aged and how normal food, lifestyle, or nutritional and dietary supplements can help treat them. Nutrient requirements for optimum health and function of aging physiological systems are often quite distinct from those required for young people. The special nutrition problems of the aged are intensively researched and tested, especially as the elderly become a larger percentage of the population. Many chronic diseases and cancers are found with higher frequency in the aged, and it is also widely known that many elderly people use foods and nutrients well above the recommended daily allowance, which can be detrimental to optimal health. - Explains the evidence supporting nutritional interventions relevant to age-related diseases - Reviews the macro- and micro-nutrient requirements of aging adults and their variables - Describes how alcohol, drugs, and caffeine can impact deficiencies, also exploring functional food and dietary supplements that can be used for prevention and treatment

Dr. Richard Polin's Neonatology Questions and Controversies series highlights the most challenging aspects of neonatal care, offering trustworthy guidance on up-to-date diagnostic and treatment options in the field. In each volume, renowned experts address the clinical problems of greatest concern to today's practitioners, helping you handle difficult practice issues and provide optimal, evidence-based care to every patient. - Stay fully up to date in this fast-changing field with The Newborn Lung, 3rd Edition. - The most current clinical information throughout, including key management strategies that may reduce some of the chronic sequelae of neonatal respiratory failure. - New content on the role of microbiome in lung injury and lung development. - Current coverage of non-invasive respiratory support, perinatal events and their influence on lung development and injury, cell-based lung therapy, automation of respiratory support, and oxygenation targeting in preterm infants. - Consistent chapter organization to help you find information quickly and easily. - The most authoritative advice available from world-class neonatologists who share their knowledge of new trends and developments in neonatal care. Purchase each volume individually, or get the entire 7-volume set!Gastroenterology and NutritionHematology, Immunology and GeneticsHemodynamics and CardiologyInfectious Disease and Pharmacology New Volume!Nephrology and Fluid/Electrolyte PhysiologyNeurologyThe Newborn Lung