The discovery of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their development over the years has dramatically changed the management of acid-related diseases. Today, the therapeutic domain of PPIs ranges from relief of symptoms to cure of mucosal lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. PPIs are among the most widely sold drugs in the world and are now even available as over-the-counter medication. This publication presents the experience of the last 25 years during which PPIs have become of enormous value in gastroenterology. The authors provide an update on a variety of subjects, starting with an introduction to the discovery and development of PPIs. This is followed by chapters on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroprotection, Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment, peptic ulcer disease, functional dyspepsia, acid suppression in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and gastrointestinal and systemic side effects. Readers who are interested in a current overview of PPIs and their various applications will find this book of great value.

Inhibition of the proton pump in the parietal cells has been established as the main therapeutic principle in the treatment of acid-related diseases, such as peptic ulcer and gastro-oesophageal reflux. The proton pump inhi bitors are tailored for their purpose. They accumulate in the target cell, are activated by acid and bind strongly to the specific target - the proton pump. The clinical superiority of the proton pump inhibitors is due not only to their high efficacy but also to the long duration of the acid inhibition in comparison with other antisecretory drugs. At present when drug discovery mostly relies on identification and characterization of potential targets by genome research, molecular biology, combinatorial chemistry and automated screening, it seems worthwhile to present the development of the tITst proton pump inhibitor - omeprazol- starting from a chemical structure with an observed antisecretory effect but also severe toxic effects that had to be eliminated. As always, basic and applied research operate luind in hand to optimize the delicate balance be tween efficacy and safety of a new drug. This goal often involves time and many different specialists.

This volume presents the most recent developments in diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and those who continue to be refractory to conventional GERD therapies. The book delineates the role of newly developed endoscopic therapies in GERD and outlines the best candidates for surgical fundoplication. Topics as the risks associated with GERD, lifestyle modification in GERD and the role of H2RA and proton pump inhibitor therapy in treating reflux disease are also explored. Written by authorities in the field, Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a concise yet comprehensive resource that is useful for primary care providers, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, surgeons and ENT specialists.

This reference also includes nine color plates. Written by leading international scientists in the field, this comprehensive and up-to-date reference provides detailed coverage of various aspects of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS)-including phylogeny and evolution, ontogeny, neurophysiological and neurochemical phenomena, molecular processes, behavioral and physiological changes due to deprivation, and hypotheses on the neurodynamics of REMS. Examining the relationship between the neocortex in mammals and birds in the evolution of REM sleep, Rapid Eye Movement Sleep considers the roles of REMS in the maturation of the brain reveals a new theory that challenges the assumption that REM is solely initiated by bulbar mechanisms in intact animals explores experimental studies of REMS atonia and the mechanisms underlying tonic and phasic muscle atonia describes the cellular and molecular mechanisms and function of pontine ponto-geniculo-occipatal waves during REMS details the role of nitric oxide in the regulation of REMS summarizes new evidence on which neurotransmitters are responsible for the REMS generating mechanism presents an overview of several endogenous sleep substances that may positively or negatively regulate REMS and more. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep serves as essential reading for all researchers and clinicians in the study of sleep science, particularly physiologists and biologists; neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, psychiatrists, and psychologists; anesethiologists; and pharmacologists.

Written by top experts in the field Platelets play a critical role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and thromboembolic complications associated with atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies are central to the treatment of ACS and atrial fibrillation. Over the last several decades, a better understanding of the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation has led to refinements in antithrombotic strategies and clinical outcomes. With this in mind, some of the issues outlined in this book are new insights in genetic testing and modification of individualized antiplatelet therapy based on rapid bedside platelet analyzers. Most importantly, the current update of pros and cons of novel antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel and ticagrelor are provided in detail. Conventional antiplatelet strategies with aspirin and clopidogrel are also discussed. Special attention is devoted to experimental antiplatelet agents like PAR-1 thrombin receptor antagonists or aptamers. The ability to focus on different diseases beyond ACS, including heart failure and atrial fibrillation, distinguishes this publication. Each chapter was written by top experts in the field and scientists with the utmost authority and expertise to provide cardiologists, internists, and clinical pharmacologists with the latest updates.

Clinical Case Studies for the Family Nurse Practitioner is a key resource for advanced practice nurses and graduate students seeking to test their skills in assessing, diagnosing, and managing cases in family and primary care. Composed of more than 70 cases ranging from common to unique, the book compiles years of experience from experts in the field. It is organized chronologically, presenting cases from neonatal to geriatric care in a standard approach built on the SOAP format. This includes differential diagnosis and a series of critical thinking questions ideal for self-assessment or classroom use.