Reviews (3)

excellent
Bought this one for pharmacology as the primary text. If you want the specifics, they are in this book. Successfully incorparates the physiology involved with pharmacology.

Gets right down to basics, tells you how and why drugs work
While possibly a bit advanced for undergraduates, I've found this book to be the single best references for people who already have some background knowledge, who need to catch up with advances in the field and don't have the time to read 1800 pages of small print. I'd recommend it for researchers in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry, and clinicians (including residents). Unlike some references that present a lot of undigested material, the authors aggressively keep up with developments, speak with unambiguous voices, and synthesize the facts very clearly. The quality across the book is remarkably consistent, which is a tribute to the tight editorial control that appears to have been exerted. (Goodman & Gilman, by contrast, is quite uneven.)

Good but not quite what I needed
I have this book for an undergrad intro to pharmacology paper, as advised by lecturers. It is also the set text for next year. This is a very good reference book, however I think for my purposes, it is a bit too advanced. It's organised very clearly, and I found it quite useful for writing an essay. But I think to get the best use out of it, the reader should be at a more advanced level of study, or someone like a graduated professional using it as a reference. Overall, I think it is concise and easy to read, with a broad range of types and uses of grugs. Each chapter is set out under the same format: therapeutic overview, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, relation of mechanisms to clinical response, side effects & problems & toxicity. I'm not very familiar with other pharmac texts, but this was recommended as the text for further study as well. I have a friend at 2nd year med school, and she found it "good but a bit dry to read". ... Read more

Book Description

With the completion of the "Human Genome Project" and the cloning and complete molecular description of the known myelin genes, the stage has been set for a detailed understanding of the biology of myelin, the disease processes affecting myelin and the potential for myelin repair and regeneration. Myelin Biology and Disorders brings together in one place, the recent advances in molecular and cellular biology along with visual data from MRI, confocal microscopy and high voltage EM techniques to provide new insights into disease mechanisms. This book represents a unique research reference on myelin biology and will serve as the definitive resource for both the professional clinical and basic scientist.

* Critically reviews and evaluates all the important genetic and molecular and cellular biological data on the individual myelin genes/proteins
* Details the structural and functional biology of myelin, including a look at the relationship between neuronal damage and myelin damage as seen in multiple sclerosis
* Includes forward-looking section on potential therapeutic interventions in myelin diseases ... Read more

Book Description

Concisely written, this text covers all key concepts ofpulmonary structure and function. Clinical problems are used toemphasize the relation of pathophysiologic concepts to clinicalmedicine. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great pulmonary text
This is an excellent pulmonary pathophys text for your pathology or pulmonary course. The explanations of various pathologies are easy to understand but are still explained to a sufficient depth. Well organized overall, but it would be even better if there were cases with questions to work through at the end of each chapter.

Good intro
Very good as an introduction to the subject. Lacks in depth coverage of many topics. ... Read more

Book Description

The inducible isoforms of the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX 2), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) have generated great interest as possible therapeutic targets in inflammation. This book is the first publication to address the importance of all three enzymes and the consequences of their interactions to the inflammatory process.

The book brings together overviews by leading researchers in the field of the current status of knowledge of COX, NOS and HO in inflammation. These overviews cover a series of new concepts in the mechanism of inflammation. Topics include inducible enzyme involvement in inflammatory processes including the role in vascular permeability, leukocyte migration, granuloma formation, angiogenesis, neuroinflammation and algesia. New findings from transgenic animal models are reviewed. Other chapters address the importance of these enzymes in inflammatory disease states including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. The possibility of selective inhibitors or inducers of COX, NOS and HO, and their use in the clinic is discussed.

The subject matter of this book is of interest to rheumatologists, pathologists, pharmacologists, neuroscientists and anyone with an academic interest in the mechanisms of inflammation. ... Read more

Book Description

The new edition of this very successful pathophysiology text provides just the right scope and depth of coverage for allied health students and practitioners. Organized by body system, it examines the most common diseases for every body area. Following an overview of each normal, healthy system, consistently formatteddiscussions explore the associated diseases signs and symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good book not for beginners, not for pros
Essentials of Human Diseases and Conditions looks and reads much like my college anatomy and physiology text with a good glossary and many colorful illustrations. It does not have pre- or post- tests, or chapter objectives or reviews. The book is easy on the eyes and easy to browse; not formatted as a crowded exhaustive reference.

The book is a well organized and indexed study of the most common human diseases (Cushings syndrome is represented, pheochromocytoma is not.) The text is arranged by the human body systems. The diseases of each system are presented first with discussion of symptoms and indications, then origin and cause, then methods of diagnosis, and finally treatment

The book's preface indicates it was written for "students of clinical medicine in the fields of medical assisting, medical transcription, insurance coding and other allied health programs who have had an introduction to basic anatomy and physiology of the human body and to medical terminology". I do agree there are prerequisites to the text; it is not a "home and family" reference. I am a degreed medical radiological technologist with some years of experience and wanted a quick reference to review the disease processes of some of the patients I do CTs on. The book is useful but not as complete as I would like. I will need to supplement it with an extensive, harder on the eyes and harder to browse reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Models help us understand the nonlinear dynamics of real-world processes by using the computer to mimic the actual forces that are known or assumed to result in a system's behavior. The complexity of biological systems, from cells to ecosystems, are particularly well suited to this method because the feedback processes governing them have made it difficult to identify natural laws describing their behavior. This book does not require a substantial background in mathematics or computer science and encourages all students and scholars to actively incorporate modeling into their education and research. Using STELLA and MADONNA software, Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems applies methods of computer simulation to real-world phenomena in a wide range of topics from laboratory biology and ecology. The book includes sections on physical and biochemical processes, genetics, single- and multiple-population dynamics, and catastrophe and self-organization. STELLA and MADONNA run-time software as well as computer files of sample models accompany the book on a CD-ROM. The software is compatible with both Macintosh- and Windows-based computers.

About the Series: The availability of powerful, intuitive software for developing and running simulation models of real-world phenomena promises a revolution in studying, teaching, and thinking about complex problems that range from the functioning of a cell to the functioning of an ecosystem to the functioning of a national economy. The books in the series Modeling Dynamic Systems will promote the spread of "systems thinking" by integrating state-of-the-art modeling techniques with the theories and concepts of specific disciplines or interdisciplinary topics. The unifying theme of the series is the ease, power, and transparency of model-building. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Demystification of modeling
This book is a concise, effective introduction to dynamic systems modeling
and how it can be used to provide insight to biological problems. The use
of dynamic modeling is demonstrated through example models, a new model
each chapter. The authors walk the reader/student through each model and
then make suggestions as to how it can be further exploited for greater
understanding of the problem. The greatest aspect of this book lies in
its demystification of computer modeling in general and shows that any
person, no matter their quantitative skills, can effectively model a
system by adhering to certain fundamentals. The models that are provided
range from ecosystems to individual cells, espousing a 'systems' approach
to every level of biology. Overall, this book is easy to understand; providing a mental tool by which one can bring greater clarity to complex, dynamic problems.

The means to an improved understanding of biological systems
The increasing interconnectedness and complexity of ecological and biological systems is undoubtedly increasing the potential environmental consequences of our decisions. Thus the growing importance of improving our understanding of the characteristics and internal relationships that govern the system's behavior. Hannon and Ruth clearly illustrate how we can think about problems from a 'dynamic systems' perspective, and how we can use technical programs to apply this new way of thinking as a tool to model biological systems. They present the means to build a greater understanding of the phenomena we see, the context of the problems that confront us, and the potential and expected effects of any interventions we may make.

Like the book's theoretical foundations, the modeling software used is both user-friendly for easy up-take by beginners, and sufficiently powerful for those at a more advanced level needing a robust software package. The reader is actively guided through the model development, simulation and interpretation process. This learning by participation and experience increases the readers understanding of the wide variety of contexts in which modeling techniques can be applied, and how to apply them.

Those interested in biological issues will find this valuable from the practical biological examples that are used, and the novel approach in which these issues are addressed. These range from spatial and population dynamics, to models of organisms, genetic movements and physical systems.

Further, the clarity of writing, and the familiarity of the examples and problems addressed, makes this an enjoyable educational experience for all people interested in developing a new perspective of the environment in which they live and work.

Perhaps most importantly, the analogical strength of the techniques used and models developed is such that researchers in all fields of academia, from economics to sociology, will benefit from it. It challenges us to re-examine how we define the problems we seek to solve, and to discipline our existing conceptualization of systems. It presents us with tools that challenge, yet compliment and strengthen traditional scientific approaches.

A great dynamic modeling book
Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems is a wonderful book for students and researchers interested in learning about dynamic modeling. I used this book in the first class I took dealing with dynamic modeling and found it very easy to understand and follow. The basic design of the book is to introduce the basic concepts of dynamic modeling and how to get started designing models in STELLA. Descriptions for designing models and the example models are based on STELLA modeling software, an intuitive iconographic program that allows even non-technical readers to begin modeling quickly. After the introduction to dynamic modeling the book is divided up into parts based on different areas of biology: Physical and Biochemical Models, Genetics Models, Models of Organisms, Single Population Models, Multiple Population Models, and Catastrophe and Self-Organization. In each of these parts there are a number of models dealing with different issues. The models are clearly explained and both the iconographic diagram and the equations are given so users can create the example models from the book or check their own work.

This book is a great resource for both novice and experienced modelers. Biologists from all areas will find this useful if they are interested in learning about dynamic modeling. Even if one's area of interest is not exactly one of the areas focused on in the book, the skills and basic method of dynamic modeling will be learned and the reader can then apply these to their area of interest. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in dynamic modeling, even non-biologists. With its great examples and clear explanations this makes a great resource for learning about dynamic modeling.

A superb text for learning dynamic modeling
Having never taken a course in computer-based dynamic modeling, this text proved to be an excellent introduction to the topic - and then some. The opening chapter clearly explains the reasons modeling is so important in our complex world, and subsequent chapters in the opening section walk the student through the basic processes of using STELLA and MADONNA to explore dynamic biological systems. (The text is supplied with a run-time version of STELLA.) Later sections build students' modeling skills by adding layers of complexity as a wide variety of biological questions are examined.

The presentation style permits exploration of so many topics by first presenting the basic elements of a model and then guiding the eager student to adjust the model to answer additional questions. Thus, the text truly has something to offer anyone interested in biological systems. Furthermore, it is not necessary to study the chapters in order. Yet the text is carefully woven with analogies so that the skills and knowledge gained from one chapter's model can easily be directed to building and solving those in other chapters.

I also found the text easy to follow during lectures. As the models were presented in class, the equations and the figures in the text - both models and graphs - allowed me to focus my attention on the discussion rather than on getting the "pictures" down in my notes. The text contains plenty of white space around equations and figures so that the student can simply take notes directly onto the pages. One of the most useful features in each chapter is the box showing the equations "in the basement" of STELLA that drive the model. The text is definitely a learning tool, not simply a book to be read but not used.

"Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems" is a text that will be kept close to my computer and pulled from the shelf often. The systems thinking and independent learning encouraged by this book will be very useful as I complete my education and move into my new career.

An excellent, hands-on book for learning dynamic modeling
I have used this book to learn dynamic modeling both as part of a class and in research work. This is an excellent book for beginners and professional modelers alike. The book uses STELLA, an iconographic modeling software, as the platform for learning. However, the knowledge gained through the book and the software is based on more general modeling philosophies that can be applied using other modeling software or programming languages as well. The approach used here is to learn by hands-on training through examples. One does not need to study a lot of theories to start developing models; rather the theories and principles evolve through the modeling exercises. It is not required, though advisable, to purchase the software to go through the examples as the book comes with a run-time version of STELLA.

Another aspect of the book that I found to be interesting is that after going through the initial few chapters, the rest of the book can be studied in any order. It includes a host of examples from various areas of biological sciences and it is possible to focus on one's area of interest - be it population dynamics, genetics, environmental pollution or epidemics. It gives a fair introduction to spatially dynamic modeling as well. I must also mention that one does not need to be a biologist to use this book. I have had friends with economics and engineering backgrounds who used this book to learn dynamic modeling.

One of the most important strengths of this book is that it is easy enough to be accessible to people from a wide range of disciplines and at the same time advanced enough to expose the user to moderate to highly complex modeling challenges. I strongly recommend this book to academics who are teaching dynamic modeling and anyone else who is involved in research that include dynamic processes and interactions. This book teaches dynamic modeling as a versatile tool - so much so that I even used it (for fun) to model my personal finances!

I suggest that the reader take a systematic approach to study this book while sitting in front of the computer and doing the examples as you go along. This will maximize the learning from this book. This is certainly one of the most practical books on modeling that I have come across. ... Read more

Book Description

In life, aging is our constant and often unwanted companion that increasingly forces us to confront the unpleasant truth of our own mortality. Aging is first and foremost a biological process and this book is essentially a guide to some of the most important scientific theories that have emerged to explain this process. We all know the effects of aging but it is only through understanding the causes that we can challenge the prevalent idea that aging is an inevitable part of the cycle of life. The scientific understanding of aging offers the only real hope of intervention, which could ultimately lead to an extended, healthy lifespan.
Aging is undeniably complex and the science behind it encompasses many separate scientific disciplines. The Causes of Aging teaches only as much basic biology as is needed to allow comprehension of the concepts discussed, making it simple and easy to follow. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology
This book is an excellent book for beginner students of anatomy. Everything is explained in simple terms. This graphics are superb! I highly reccommend this book for anyone trying to learn anatomy. ... Read more

Book Description

The main goal of this book is to present principles of classical mechanics using case studies involving human movement. The book assumes a background in calculus and physics. Vector algebra and vector differentiation are introduced in the text and are used to describe the motion of objects. Advanced topics such as three-dimensional motion mechanics are treated in some depth. Whenever possible, the analysis is also presented graphically, by using diagrams and software-created sequences of human movement in an athletic event or a dance performance. Each chapter contains illustrative examples and problem sets.

It can be used for as a text for undergraduate biomedical engineering students in their core course in mechanics. It can also be an used as a text for a graduate course in sports biomechanics, and as a supplement for general engineering statics and dynamics courses. In addition, the book will be of interest to orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists and graduate students in sports medicine.

"Human Body Dynamics is a remarkable book. A concise, comprehensive, well-written and well illustrated first chapter gives a necessary introduction to the anatomy of the human body. In the following chapters human body dynamics is explored using the principles of classical mechanics. The concluding chapter deals with the methods of three-dimensional mechanics. With these powerful tools, a myriad of very interesting problems are solved. This, I would say is the dessert of the feast." H. Bülent Atabek, Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, The Catholic University of America.

"This book represents a very ambitious undertaking of providing, in a single volume, a comprehensive exposition of the kinematics and dynamics governing the motion of the human body as well as a complete course of general mechanics. The author has been remarkably successful in achieving both objectives. He has produced a very accessible text without sacrificing the accuracy of arguments and avoiding undue simplifications of the problems. The book should prove to be a great value to the practitioners in orthopedics, sports medicine and bioengineering research. University students interested in careers in medicine or bioengineering may find it an interesting alternative to the standard courses in mechanics." Maciej P. Bieniek, Renwick Professor Emeritus of Engineering Mechanics, Columbia University.

"The distinguishing feature of this book is that the development of the fundamentals of classical mechanics, which govern the biological applications, is so careful and precise, despite its compactness. This book will be especially appealing to students of human body motion who are seriously interested in understanding the laws which determine that motion. It most certainly should be owned and studied by all instructors of courses in biomechanics." Frank L. DiMaggio, Carleton Professor of Civil Engineering, Columbia University. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Really Biomechanics and a Good Buy
A very good presentation of the knowledge of engineering mechanics applied to human motion. The first chapter provides a necessary and sufficient outline of the human system and the related studies. After that, basic engineering mechanics theories are discussed with elaborations and examples zeroing on human body motions. A candidate for a textbook for undergraduate course in biomechanics, and a book to be owned by engineering mechanics instructors. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is an authoritative, comprehensive and up-to-date review of the pathophysiological basis, diagnosis and management of disorders of the blood vessels that supply the gastrointestinal tract and major solid abdominal organs. Written by leading international figures, Diseases of the Visceral Circulation analyses in depth these conditions and their management by conservative, interventional radiological and surgical therapies.With this subject rapidly gaining momentum as both a research area and a topic of significant clinical importance, the book provides a timely and balanced discussion of the field. The book will be of interest to vascular surgeons GI surgeons, interventional radiologists and gastroenterologists. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Introductory Text for General Education
Q> How do you get non-majors interested in biology?
A> Talk about something that's interesting and relevant to them.
This is why we decided to start a Human Health and Disease course for non-biology / non-health science majors. Our philosophy was to lay down the minimum foundation that enabled students to understand most diseases. The problem is finding a text book to support such a course. That's why I'm really grateful to have this text book. I reviewed a dozen others before this and was looking at having to develop my own.
However, it's not perfect. It could be more balanced. For example, why does a student at this level need to know the bones of the skull? I'd also like to have a lab book to go with it, preferrably one that taught some of the concepts in that setting to make lecture less intense for non-majors. Still, developing a lab text for to go with this product is a lot less than I was looking at before, so - Thanks! ... Read more

Book Description

Sports Science is a rapidly expanding area, with student numbers on University courses increasing faster than for many other academic subjects. While there are a large number of suitable texts on exercise physiology, there has of yet been no such text for the area of exercise biochemistry. Biochemistry is also an area that students taking these courses usually have the greatest difficulty in understanding.The Biochemistry of exercise and training provides a broadly based introduction to those aspects of biochemistry relevant to exercise science. For students of biochemistry, physiology, and sports science, the book will enable them to develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals of biochemistry. Throughout, the focus is on physiological chemistry, dealing with those biochemical processes that determine the metabolic response to exercise, and the way in which these responses are influenced by training. The authors have taken account of the rapid advances being made in the field of physiological chemistry, and by providing the reader with a broad understanding ofthe fundamental concepts,they should then be able to integrate these future developments with their existing knowledge of the area. ... Read more