Gastroenterology has advanced through the development and application of increasingly sophisticated methods to measure changes in gastrointestinal function. Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology brings together details on commonly employed approaches in investigative gastroenterology. The book provides comprehensive coverage of methods and techniques used to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs on the GI tract. An integral part of each chapter is the discussion of development of techniques based upon physiologic mechanisms and principles in pharmacology. In vivo and in situ techniques involving whole animals, isolated tissue methodology, the use of single cell systems, and molecular biology approaches are covered. Illustrations provide a clear understanding of methodologies discussed. Emphasis is placed on advantages and disadvantages of each technique in answering specific research questions. Chapters are written by experts experienced in the techniques they discuss; many pioneered one or more widely used methods. The wide variety of topics included make the Handbook of Methods in Gastrointestinal Pharmacology useful to established investigators, research fellows, and graduate students. Additionally, reviewers of grants and manuscripts can use it to clarify questions that arise regarding appropriate use of a technique in a particular setting.

Introduction to Neurobehavioral Toxicology: Food and Environment examines the effects of chemicals on the central and peripheral nervous system and the subsequent changes in behavior, with a focus on the toxicity of food components and behavioral effects of environmental toxicants. Topics addressed include acute and chronic effects; reversible and

First published in 1995: Alternative Methodologies for the Safety Evaluation of Chemicals in the Cosmetic Industry presents a categorization and collection of information available for the evaluation of safety using in vitro techniques. It offers a comprehensive and complete look at the entire field. In doing so, the author provides the foundation for the next phase of significant growth for this discipline.

Phospholipase A2 in Clinical Inflammation presents an up-to-date topical review of the biochemistry, molecular biology, and biology of mammalian phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The emphasis of this monograph is on the current aspects of PLA2 research using molecular approaches to investigate PLA2 structure and function, inhibitor design, and the regulation of sPLA2 and cPLA2 in cellular systems. The second section examines the major disease states where PLA2 has been implicated: rheumatoid diseases; acute pancreatitis; and psoriasis. These chapters, contributed by experts in the field, give the reader an overall sense of the clinical relevance of the molecular approaches to study PLA2 in relation to the disease entities that may be associated with altered PLA2 levels and activity. This comprehensive text not only provides the necessary historical review for beginning researchers but also addresses the more current molecular approaches as well as the major disease states for the seasoned researcher.

Because of limited access to medical libraries and medical journals, the majority of clinicians may find it difficult to keep informed on the latest developments in drug manufacture and treatment of infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients. This new handbook strives to fulfill the need for information in this area of medicine. This is the first book on drug development and treatment of infectious diseases in immunocompromised hosts. It integrates both results from large-scale clinical trials and single cases as well as small groups of patients. It covers bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections, including a wide array of diseases. Infectious Diseases in Immunocompromised Hosts encompasses not only opportunistic infections associated exclusively with immunocompromised patients, but also common infections that become life-threatening for immunosuppressed individuals.

A much-needed guide to in vitro food functionality evaluation principles, processes, and state-of-the-art modeling There are more than a few books devoted to the assessment of food functionality but, until now, there were no comprehensive guides focusing on the increasingly important subject of in vitro food evaluation. With contributions from the world’s foremost experts in the field, this book brings readers up to speed on the state-of-the-art in in vitro modeling, from its physiological bases to its conception, current uses, and future developments. Food functionality is a broad concept encompassing nutritional and health functionality, food safety and toxicology, as well as a broad range of visual and organoleptic properties of food. In vitro techniques bridge the gap between standard analytical techniques, including chemical and biochemical approaches and in vivo human testing, which remains the ultimate translational goal for evaluation of the functionality of food. Although it is a well- established field, in vitro food testing continues to evolve toward ever more accurate predictions of in vivo properties and outcomes. Both ethical and highly economical, these approaches allow for detailed mechanistic insights into food functionalities and, therefore, a better understanding of the interactions of food and human physiology. Reviews the core concepts of food functionality and functionality evaluation methodologies Provides an overview of the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including host-microbial interactions within it Delves into the physiology of sensory perception of food, taste and texture as they relate to in vitro modeling Explores the challenges of linking in vitro analysis of taste, aroma and flavor to their actual perception Addresses in vitro models of the digestion and absorption of macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytonutrients Describes in vitro evaluations of toxicants, allergens and other specific food hazards Functional Foods and Beverages is an indispensable working resource for food scientists as well as researchers working in government facilities dedicated to tracking food safety.

Constipation is a common disorder that is often defined differently by patients and physicians. Clinically, constipation occurs when bowel move ments are difficult or painful. The "normality" of bowel movements, in terms of frequency, varies among individuals; frequency that is thought by one person to be constipation may be reported by another to be usual and thus normal. Often the perceived "need" to have a bowel movement leads to self-treatment with laxatives as these drugs are widely available without a prescription. This situation can raise problems in patient care, because of potential interactions between laxatives and other medications. Furthermore, chronic use (abuse) oflaxatives can cause serious medical consequences, causing patients to visit physicians, and even to be hospitalized for further evaluation and care. This has a financial impact on the patient, and on health care systems. It is essential that pharmacists, physicians and other health care practitioners counsel patients on the causes of constipation and the proper use oflaxatives. A medical work-up by a physician should be done to determine if the constipation is due to a pathological process. Often nor mal bowel function (for an invididual) can be maintained by diet and/or lifestyle. Most laxatives in use today are of botanical origin. Further research on the mechanism of action of these and synthetic laxatives is needed to bet ter define their pharmacology and toxicology.

As the generic pharmaceutical industry continues to grow and thrive, so does the need to conduct adequate, efficient bioequivalence studies. In recent years, there have been significant changes to the statistical models for evaluating bioequivalence. In addition, advances in the analytical technology used to detect drug and metabolite levels have m

Over the last few years there have been huge advances made in our understanding of the interactions between the brain and the gut – the enteric nervous system. This book is particularly relevant in the understanding, diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome – the most common functional disorder of the bowel. IBS has been diagnosed in 10-20% of adults in the US, and symptoms of IBS are responsible for more than 3 million visits to the physician in the US. This book is aimed at specialist gastroenterologists but also should be of interest for trainees and fellows in gastroenterology, as well as PCPs and GPs with an interest in this subject.