Medical Student SOFTWARE

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Physiology of the Heart - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-11ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive tutorial to teach the basic physiology of the heart

The highly interactive program is designed to teach the basic physiology of the heart and is designed to complement and accompany a similar program (The Circulation.) covering the physiology of the circulatory vessels. It is divided into several sections accessed from a menu:

Introduction: - structure and function of the cardiovascular system;

The Heart:

• gross structure - chambers and major blood vessels, the wall of the heart and the pericardium;
• heart valves - structure and function of atrioventricular and semi-lunar valves;
• histology - cardiac muscle and pacemaker cells;
• excitation - spread of depolarization and the ECG;
• heart sounds
• the cardiac cycle - pressure and volume changes;
• cardiac output - control by autonomic nerves, hormones and autoregulation.

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as animation and a Hypertext facility are used to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several features to promote this. For example students are required to:

a) label diagrams by "dragging" labels from a list and "dropping" them into the box corresponding to the correct position on the diagram;
b) interpret recordings of pacemaker cell action potentials to better understand the effect of autonomic nerves on heart rate.

In addition they must answer a variety of questions included in each section. These may be multiple choice, selecting correct phrases from a list to complete a statement, and true/false questions with feedback.

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Exercise Physiology - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-8ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of the physiological
effects of graded exercise in man

An interactive, menu driven program, suitable for students of biology at high school and undergraduate level. This program simulates some of the important physiological measurements which can be made to assess cardio-respiratory performance or "fitness" in the laboratory. The program presents results, in a form comparable to a chart recorder (in high resolution graphics), from healthy individuals performing a fixed schedule of graded exercise on a bicycle ergometer, and includes:-

Heart Rate,
Minute (Pulmonary Ventilation),
Oxygen Consumption,
Blood Lactate Concentration

Measurements can be taken from the trace by pausing it and using the cross-hair cursor facility provided. The program simulates the response of a subject working continuously under a work load which is increased by increments of 20 watts each minute until the subject is exhausted. The screen display also shows a digital clock and work load meter. Heart rate is monitored continuously and respiratory performance is assessed by breath-by-breath analysis of expiratory air samples. Blood samples may be taken during the exercise regime and the [lactate] determined using a simulated spectrophotometer.

The program allows subject parameters (age, weight, height, sex, trained or untrained) to be determined by the user and may thus be used to compare, for example, male with female performance, or the effects of training or age.

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Muscle Physiology - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-18ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which may be performed on the isolated
frog sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation

An interactive, menu-driven and easy to use program, which simulates experiments on the frog sciatic nerve - gastrocnemius muscle preparation to illustrate physiological properties of skeletal muscle.

Experiments include:

• stimulus voltage/response relationships,
• summation,
• tetanus,
• length-tension relationship,
• action of curare.

Real experimental data is used to generate simulated muscle contractions, which are displayed in a form comparable to that of an oscilloscope. Each experiment is prefaced by introductory text, and experiment guide and includes assignments (MCQ, true-false, data interpretation) for students to complete which are designed to reinforce underlying physiological principles, and test accuracy of data collection and data interpretation.

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Nerve Physiology - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-19ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which may be performed
on isolated frog sciatic nerve

An interactive, menu-driven and easy to use program, which simulates a number of experiments performed on the frog sciatic nerve preparation to illustrate some of the important properties of mixed nerves. High-resolution graphic simulations of compound nerve action potentials, derived from real experimental data, are displayed on a simulated oscilloscope screen. Experiments include;

• stimulus voltage/response relationships,
• investigation of refractory period,
• measurement of conduction velocity,
• effects of temperature and action of a local anaesthetic.

Each experiment is prefaced by introductory text, and each experiment has associated assignments. The package includes a manual, tutor's guide and student workbook.

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Experiments on Renal Function in Humans - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-23ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer simulation of experiments to
study the renal function in humans

This highly interactive computer program is designed to allow students to collect urine and plasma data from groups of healthy male students who took part in the following investigations:

1. control experiment (no water loading)
2. water loading experiment
3. experiments to investigate the action of four diuretics (acetazolamide, amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide) in water loaded subjects

For each experiment, data are presented (mean values: n=10) graphically for:

• plasma electrolyte concentrations (Na⁺, K⁺, C1^-, HCO₃^-)
• plasma creatinine concentration and plasma osmolality
• urine electrolyte (Na⁺, K⁺, C1^-, HCO₃^-)
• urine creatinine output and total solute output
• urine osmolality
• urine flow

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Frog Heart - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-10ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which
may be performed on frog heart

An interactive, menu-driven and easy to use program which simulates a number of experiments which can be performed on the 'in situ' heart of a pithed frog. High-resolution simulations of contractions of the frog heart, derived from real data, are presented on a scrolling display to simulate a chart recorder. The trace may be paused to facilitate measurement of heart rate or to assess changes in the amplitude of atrial or ventricular contraction. Experiments include:

Interpretation of a typical trace;
the effects of adrenaline;
the effects of acetylcholine (with physostigmine or atropine);
the effects of temperature;
refractory period;
electrical conduction through the heart (Stannius ligatures).

Each experiment is prefaced by introductory text and includes an experiment guide and assignments.

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Introduction to the Endocrine System - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-6ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive, foundation level computer-based tutorial to
introduce the endocrine system

This highly interactive program is divided into several sections, each of which may be accessed from a menu:

Introduction: an overview of the function of the endocrine system, location of some of the important endocrine glands;

Chemical properties: covers the three main chemical groups of hormones: peptides and glycoproteins, steroids and amines, giving examples of each. For each group the program describes the synthesis, transport and physiological implications of the chemical properties.

Cellular Mechanisms of Action: covers the main features of how (i) peptide and catecholamine hormones act at the cellular level (second messengers) and (ii) steroids and thyroid hormones act at the cellular level;

Hypothalamus - Pituitary: describes the anatomy of the structures and the relationship and connections between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland; the hormones of the anterior and posterior lobes, regulation of their release and main physiological functions.

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as animation and a hotword facility are used to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several features to promote this. For example the main sections all have associated student tasks e.g. true/false questions with feedback, drag-and-drop exercises. These are designed to allow students to assess their understanding of the section they have completed and also to present additional information and explanations through the feedback. The learning package is intended to be used either: to support existing teaching methods, or for independent study where it could be used as an alternative to staff-led tutorials or lectures. It is estimated that it would occupy students for two to three hours of fairly intensive study and is suitable for primary learning or revision. The question-answer sections may also be useful for self-assessment.

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Rat Blood Pressure - Wins   Mac Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-31ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer simulation of experiments to study the effects of a number
of pharmacological agents on rat blood pressure in vivo

This highly interactive program simulates a range of experiments to demonstrate the effects of a variety of pharmacological agents/procedures on blood pressure and heart rate of the anaesthetized rat (in vivo). It is aimed at undergraduates studying pharmacology modules on a range of medical and science courses. Each section combines text, high quality colour graphics, and animation with interactive questions designed to reinforce learning.

The main menu allows students to access sections covering different aspects of the laboratory class;

Introduction: Home Office Licence requirements,

Preparation: anaesthesia/anaesthetization, cannulation of trachea, jugular vein and carotid artery,

Apparatus: equipment used to maintain body temperature, record blood pressure and heart rate,

Measurements: describes how to take measurements from the simulated chart recorder and how to calculate mean BP and pulse pressure,

Experiments: provides typical data for 16 different experiments selected to teach the essential pharmacology: catecholamines; pressor agents; acetylcholine; ganglion stimulants; uptake1-blockers; alpha-blockers; beta-blockers; adrenaline reversal; guanethidine; sympathetic nerve stimulation; depressor drugs; ganglion blockade; quantitative effects of alpha-blockade; quantitative effects of beta-blockade; reserpine; pithing

Students are expected to record and tabulate data from the screen display and to then complete student assignments e.g. a series of MCQ questions, with feedback, to assess accuracy of data collection and data interpretation; a student task (typical of a traditional lab-class report) to be completed in their own time. In addition there is a section containing a selection of MCQ's with feedback covering cardiovascular pharmacology which students can use for revision.

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Chest Clinic - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-30ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer simulation designed to teach the principles
of respiratory function testing and diagnosis

This program is designed to cover the principles of respiratory function testing and adopts a patient orientated, case-centred approach to teach, by investigation, the use of these tests in the diagnosis of common respiratory disorders. It is aimed at undergraduate medical/science students studying physiology on a range of biomedical courses.

The program is divided into several sections: 

TUTORIAL is subdivided into: Introduction; Limitation to Airflow; Lung Size; Gas Transfer; Bronchodilation; Constriction; Normal Values; Test your knowledge. Each section typically combines text, high-quality graphics, animations to explain the underlying physiology, anatomy and pathophysiology. Self-assessment questions are used for students to assess how much they have understood.

METHODS is subdivided into: Introduction; Peak Expiratory Flow; Spirometry; Reversibility; Challenge Tests (Metacholine, exercise); Lung Volumes; Transfer Factor; Each section typically combines text, high-quality graphics, animations and video-clips to explain, in detail, the principles of the investigative methods used to assess respiratory function. Self-assessment questions are used for students to assess how much they have understood.

CASES contains details of seven patients including a normal subject and patients suffering a range of respiratory disorders. For each the user is presented with the results of relevant respiratory function tests which may be compared to predicted normal values for that patient. Users are required to draw conclusions (in the form of true/false questions) about the patients’ conditions.

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Thyroid Hormones - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-26ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A foundation level interactive tutorial covering the regulation, release and
function of thyroid hormones and associated clinical disorders

The highly interactive program is designed to teach the basic physiology of the thyroid hormones and covers:

• location and structure of the thyroid glands,
• synthesis, release, transport and mechanism of action of the thyroid hormones,
• function of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4,
• principal abnormalities of thyroid function - hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as animation and a Hypertext facility are used to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several features to promote this. For example students are required to:

1. Label diagrams by "dragging" labels from a list and "dropping" them into the box corresponding to the correct position on the diagram,

2. Answer a variety of questions included in each section. These may be multiple choice, selecting correct phrases from a list to complete a statement, and true/false questions with feedback.

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Intestinal Absorption - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-15ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer-simulation of experiments which may be performed
 on one of the classical in vitro preparations - the isolated, everted 
intestinal sac of the rat

The program simulates experiments designed to demonstrate by investigation the important characteristics of the transport of two important nutrients - hexoses and amino acids, in the small intestine.

INTRODUCTION and METHODS use a combination of text and high-resolution graphics to explain the process of carrier-mediated transport of these nutrients, the everted sac preparation and the methods used to measure nutrient transport: using radio labelled galactose, glycine and methionine and a scintillation counting technique; measuring the transmural potential difference particularly for kinetic analysis of the transport system.

EXPERIMENTS allows the user to collect sample data from a range of experiments designed to:

1. Measure the transport of each of these nutrients - Control experiments;

2. Demonstrate the Na+ dependence of the transport process by measuring transport of each nutrient when the mucosal fluid contains reduced concentrations of sodium ions (NaCl partly replaced with KCl/tris chloride/choline chloride); investigate the mutual interaction of the hexose and amino acid transport systems by performing a series of experiments (including a kinetic analysis and calculation of apparent Km and Vmax for the transport process) to assess whether the interaction is due to competition for energy or competition at the carrier level.

Students are presented with raw data: weights: wet empty sac; weight of sac containing 0.5ml Krebs bicarbonate saline; wet weight after incubation in mucosal fluid containing a nutrient; wet weight of final empty sac; radioactive counts) cpm, ESR, dpm, blank- corrected dpm): blank; control sample; serosal sample, gut sample. The data is based on predictive models of carrier-mediated transport, which have been verified by experiment. Students collect the data and use them to calculate transport parameters e.g. mucosal fluid transfer, total amount of nutrient transferred, final gut concentration and T/M ratio, in much the same way as they would if they performed the experiment for real.

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Physiology of the Circulatory Vessels - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-3ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive tutorial to teach the basic physiology of the blood vessels,
blood flow and regulation of blood pressure

The highly interactive program is designed to teach the basic physiology of the circulation. It is divided into several sections accessed from a menu:

Introduction: - structure and function of the circulatory system;

The Circulatory vessels:

1. Structure and function - blood vessel wall, arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venous vessels;
2.  Blood flow - flow, pressure and resistance.
3.  Peripheral resistance - peripheral resistance vessels and their control;
4.  Blood pressure - measurement, regulation of BP (autonomic reflexes, hormones, intrinsic regulation, long-term control by kidneys).

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as animation and a Hypertext facility are used to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several similar features to those described opposite.

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Introduction to the Clinical Aspects of Pain - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-5ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive, tutorial program for undergraduate students

This highly interactive program is divided into several sections each of which may be accessed from a menu:

• Introduction,
• Terminology: definitions and explanations of important terms e.g. pain, analgesia, allodynia, hyperalgesia, nociceptors,
• Types of Pain: e.g., acute, chronic, nociceptive, neuropathic,
• Functions of Pain: under normal physiological conditions,
• Pain and Injury: examples of the variable link between pain and injury,
• Dimensions of Pain: sensory, affective, cognitive,
• Pain Assessment: pain assessment tools including rating scales and pain location charts,
• Pain Management: introduction to pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain relief,
• Summary,
• Revision: 20 self-assessment MCQ questions.

High quality colour graphics, animation and Hypertext are used extensively throughout the program to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several features to promote this - e.g. students are required to:

1. Label diagrams by "dragging" labels from a list and "dropping" them into the box corresponding to the correct position on the diagram;
2. Interpret different pain charts,
3. Answer a variety of questions which may be multiple choice, selecting correct phrases from a list to complete a statement, true/false questions with feedback, hangman game, matching definitions with statements etc.

The learning package is intended to be used either to support existing teaching methods or for independent study where it could be used as an alternative to staff-led tutorials or lectures (the material covers approximately two to three one-hour lectures to first year students). It is estimated that it would occupy students for two to four hours of fairly intensive study and is suitable for primary learning or revision. The question-answer sections may also be useful for self-assessment.

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Insulin and Glucagon - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-14ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A foundation level interactive tutorial covering the regulation, release and function
 of insulin and glucagon and associated clinical disorders

The highly interactive program is designed to teach the basic physiology of the pancreatic hormones and the regulation of blood glucose. It covers:

• location and structure of the Islets of Langerhans
• factors affecting release of insulin and glucagon and their effects on target cells
• principal clinical disorders - Type I and Type II diabetes mellitus (causes, symptoms and treatment)
• hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as a Hypertext facility are used to enhance student learning. The program uses several features to promote interactivity e.g. students are required to:

1. Identify correct actions of hormones or characteristics of certain clinical conditions by "dragging" phrases/words from a list and "dropping" them into the appropriate box on the diagram,

2. Answer a variety of self-assessment questions on the glucose tolerance test.

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Respiratory Physiology - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-25ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer-assisted learning program (CAL) to teach foundation level
respiratory physiology to undergraduate students

This highly interactive program is designed to be used as a student-centred, self-paced learning resource and would occupy students for 3-4 hours. The content is divided into several sections accessible from a menu:

• Introduction -  the basic principles of respiration put into a health context by introducing some of the more common respiratory disorders.
• Structure of the respiratory tract - structure and function of the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, pharynx and larynx), trachea, lungs, bronchial tree and alveoli.
• Transport of gases
• transport of oxygen by haemoglobin (normal dissociation curve and physiological factors affecting it),
• carbon dioxide (dissolved in plasma, in combination with haemoglobin, as bicarbonate).
• Mechanics of breathing - introduces respiratory volumes and capacities and covers how the contractions of the respiratory muscles and diaphragm give rise to inspiration and expiration. Muscles involved in forced respiratory movements .
• Control of Respiration
• Nervous control - central respiratory centres, autonomic reflexes and conscious control of breathing.
• Chemical control - central and peripheral chemoreceptors, influence of hydrogen ions, carbon dioxide and oxygen in regulation of breathing.

High quality interactive graphics and animations are used extensively to explain principles such as how the respiratory muscles and diaphragm interact to cause inspiration and expiration. Throughout the emphasis is on problem-based tasks - interpretation of graphical data (e.g. haemoglobin dissociation curves), interpretation of experimental data, calculations (e.g. ventilatory volumes and dead space, volume of oxygen in arterial and venous blood), and exercises to stimulate understanding. There are also self-assessment questions (multiple choice, multiple true/false) in each section.

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Blood Coagulation - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-1ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer program to teach the physiology and laboratory assessment of
haemostatic function and the use of the haemostatic profile in
diagnosis of common clinical disorders

The program is divided into several sections:

Methods: uses text and animated graphics to describe the principles and a step-by-step method of each of the major laboratory tests used in producing a haemostatic profile (Bleeding time, Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Thrombin Time). It also includes details of an automated technique using a coagulometer.

In Clinical Cases: the use of the test results in diagnosis is taught using a highly interactive problem-solving approach which requires students to use data from selected clinical case histories to make a diagnosis. For each of five different cases (haemophilia, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, von Willebrand Disease, alcohol-induced liver disease, pro-myelocytic leukaemia) a brief patient history and a haemostatic profile is provided. Students must answer on-screen questions and may access relevant further test results. They must then use this information to make a correct diagnosis from a list of possible conditions. Feedback and help are available throughout and there is also a glossary, which explains the medical terms used.
 

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Blood Physiology - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-2ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer simulation to teach the principles of the laboratory
determination of red blood cell indices and blood group
and their use in the diagnosis of anaemia's

The program is divided into three sections:

1. Red Blood Cell Indices - this program simulates the determination of standard red blood cell indices, which may be performed in the laboratory using fresh blood samples, and used to produce a haematological profile.

• Red blood cell count - simulated haemocytometry,
• Haematocrit (PCV) - simulation of the use of an haematocrit reader
• Haemoglobin (Hb) concentration - simulated spectrophotometry including the construction of a standard haemoglobin curve.

In the Methods Section the principles of each method are explained using a combination of text and imaginative graphics. Students can then simulate performing the tests on either a normal male or a normal female subject. This allows them to interactively obtain results for red cell count, PCV and [Hb] which may then be entered into a simple calculation program to give MCV, MCH and MCHC. The complete haematological profile may then be printed.

2. Blood Groups - text and graphics are used to introduce and explain the basis of the determination of ABO and Rhesus blood groups. There is then an exercise in which students can observe the interaction of a blood sample, from a subject of unknown blood group, and known antisera (anti-A, anti-B and anti-D). They are then asked to select the correct blood group from a list of possible answers. Different blood groups are generated randomly and students can try as many examples as they wish. A record of their score is kept and displayed on-screen.

3. Anaemia's - Nine patient case histories are used to teach the principles of how the medical history, peripheral blood films and the results of haematological tests can contribute to diagnosis of anaemias. Each case has a brief medical history, a haematological profile (RBC count, Hb concentration, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC), a peripheral blood film which indicates how this differs from normal blood and the results of other blood indices. Students are required to select an appropriate diagnosis initially from one of the four main types (iron deficiency, megaloblastic, haemolytic and aplastic) and then with the aid of additional test results to further define this by selecting one from nine possible diagnoses (enzyme deficiency, thalassaemia, haemorrhage, sickle cell, bone marrow aplasia, folate deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, autoimmune (drug induced), iron deficiency).

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Langendorff Heart - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-16ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which may be performed
on the isolated, perfused mammalian heart

This program is highly interactive and simulates experiments, which may be performed on the isolated perfused mammalian heart (Langendorff preparation). 

Introduction and Methods sections cover the removal of the heart , setting it up to record ventricular contractile force, heart rate and coronary blood flow and the administration of drugs.

In the Experiments section simulated data, derived from actual data, is presented on a screen display which emulates a chart recorder. Students 'design' experiments by choosing, from a menu, a range of pharmacological agents which may be administered either alone, or in combination with an antagonist or potentiator. Each trace represents several minutes of recording and thus allows students to access a large amount of data in a short period of time. A facility to compare traces of 'drug X alone' with drug X + antagonist Y or drug X + potentiator Z is available. This allows easy visual comparison of qualitative effects and of course more accurate measurements can be taken from the screen.

The program covers:

1. Effects of drugs: sympathomimetics (adrenaline, noradrenaline, salbutamol, clonidine, phenyl-ephrine, dobutamine) antagonists (propranolol, yohimbine atenolol, prazosin, butoxamide, phentolamine) potentiators (cocaine); parasympathomimetics (acetylcholine, carbachol, methacholine, nicotine) antagonists (atropine, amitryptyline, hexamethonium) potentiator (neostigmine); cardiac glycosides (digoxin, ouabain); coronary vasodilators (nitrogly-cerine, adenosine (antagonists: theophylline, dipyridamole), histamine (antagonists: cimetidine, mepyramine), verapamil;

2. Effect of ions: (high and low concentrations of calcium, potassium and sodium);

3. Effect of increasing pre-load on contractile (ventricular) force (Starlings Law).

The simulated responses (heart rate, ventricular force and coronary blood flow) are derived from actual experimental data and presented in high resolution colour graphics in a form comparable to that of a chart recorder. 

The program contains textual information describing the preparation and experimental method and an editable on screen help facility allows teachers to tailor the information-content of the program to specific groups of students. The package also includes suggested student assignments.

It is envisaged that the program could be used in a number of ways: to better prepare students who will the perform the practical at a later date; to debrief students after they have performed the practical; as a ‘fallback’ to provide data for students whose experiments were unsuccessful; as an alternative to the practical, though it should be remembered that different learning objectives may be achieved.

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Cat Nictitating Membrane - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-4ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which may be performed on the superior
cervical ganglion-nictitating membrane preparation of the cat in vivo

An interactive, menu driven program which simulates experiments on the superior cervical ganglion-nictitating membrane preparation of the cat (in vivo) to teach the pharmacology of ganglionic transmission and sympathetically innervated smooth muscle.

Introduction: provides information about the program and it's curricula context; 

Tutorial: presents diagrammatic representations of the effector junction and the superior cervical ganglion. This section of the program uses animated sequences to demonstrate the stages of transmission at both the synapse and neuro-effector junction and highlights possible sites of action of drugs;

Methods: describes the preparation, protocols for nerve stimulation and administration of drugs to the superior cervical ganglion and the nictitating membrane, and the method of recording contractions of the nictitating membrane.

Experiments: allows students to perform simulated experiments on the preparation and provides recordings of the force of contraction of both ipsilateral and contralateral nictitating membranes which are displayed on a screen designed to emulate a chart recorder. A sub-menu gives students some control over experimental parameters (they can choose: 1. to administer an agent from a list: saline (vehicle control), acetylcholine, noradrenaline, atropine, phentolamine, propranolol, isoprenaline, hexamethonium, physostigmine, nicotine (low and high dose), tyramine, an unknown (which is randomly selected from the list above when the program is run); 2. the site of administration; 3. whether to electrically stimulate preganglionic nerves (half-maximal stimulation).

Although it is envisaged that the tutor will develop a set of tasks for students to address when using the simulation which will meet their own teaching objectives, this section does also includes some suggested tasks to aid independent use of the program.

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Inflammation Pharmacology - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-13ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments to demonstrate the effects of pharmacological
agents on the cutaneous inflammatory response in the anaesthetised rabbit

This program simulates a range of experiments designed to demonstrate the action of inflammatory mediators and pharmacological agents on the in vivo inflammatory response in the anaesthetised rabbit. The program uses data obtained from actual experiments and is aimed at undergraduate students on courses in which pharmacology is a major component. It may be particularly useful for teaching students either to support laboratory practicals or, in those departments where lack of equipment and/or technical expertise precludes this, as a student-centred alternative.

Introduction and Methods sections combine text and high- quality colour graphics to describe the animal preparation, the methods employed to measure oedema formation (extravascular accumulation of 125I - albumin) and neutrophil accumulation, and to provide the student with the essential background information required to understand the how the inflammatory response is triggered, and the mechanisms involved.

The Experiments section allows the student to select, from a menu, to study the effects of the following agents on oedema formation (and where appropriate on neutrophil numbers) in normal rabbits:

1. A range of direct mediators of increased microvascular permeability [histamine, bradykinin, platelet activating factor (PAF), Substance P, leukotriene D₄], either alone (dose-response relationships), in the presence of a vasodilator (PGE₂) or with receptor antagonists;

2. A range of agents which cause inflammation principally via neutrophil accumulation [complement Factor C5a, cytokines interleukins IL-1 and IL-8, the bacterial peptide f-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), leukotriene B4, Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF_alpha)], either alone (dose-response relationships) and in the presence of a vasodilator (PGE₂). The effects of neutrophil depletion and the importance of adhesion molecules are also covered;

3. Non-steroidal (local and systemic effects) and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

A section describing the results of selected experiments using sensitised rabbits is also included and covers the IgG (Reverse Passive Arthus response) and IgE response.

The results are presented in graphical form either as bar-charts or line graphs. The program contains numerous self-assessment exercises which demand interpretation of experimental data presented to them, and an understanding of the underlying inflammatory mechanisms. These student-centred activities make the program useful for self-directed learning or, in the ideal situation, it would be incorporated into a structured teaching programme and used with a teacher-designed workbook.

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Experimental Design - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-9ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A highly interactive computer based learning package to
teach better experimental design

'Experimental Design’ aims to help researchers, particularly those working with animals, to design more effective experiments which will deliver more information, produce more conclusive results, improve interpretation and reduce the number of experimental animals required. It combines real life scenarios, working examples and background theory and throughout the student learns by exploration and engages in interactive practical exercises that give hands on exposure to the key concepts in experimental design. The program has been designed with the close collaboration of research scientists in industry and academia. In addition, members of the scientific community ranging from post-graduates to project leaders have evaluated the software to ensure the appropriateness of its content.

Aims: to enable the research scientist to:

- estimate the number of animals needed to attain the scientific objectives economically and effectively.
- select a suitable animal model
- avoid bias and deal with variability
- use appropriate statistical methods or more effectively consult professional statisticians

Sections exploring the key issues in experimental design are accessed from a menu.

• Introduction & Aims - primes the user as to why experimental design is so critical. Engages the user with data from a simple experiment to highlight design flaws.
• Choice of Animal Model - explores the use different strains (inbred and outbred stock) and covers the various types of animal model (predictive, explanatory, exploratory).
• The Experimental Unit - uses interactive examples to explain the critical nature of the experimental unit and it's importance.
• Eliminating Bias - covers techniques you can employ to remove systematic differences between treatment groups and ensure your experiments are not biased. Again interactive examples are used
• Applying Valid Statistics - covers the application of valid statistical tests to your data, explores the definition of hypotheses, choices of statistical tests, and interpretation of P.
• Improving Precision - making experiments more precise so that we can detect treatment differences. Ways of achieving this - ensuring uniformity, use of blocking, using power analysis and the resource equation method.
• Increasing the Range of Applicability - using your resources effectively to enable you to interpret your findings over a wider range e.g. different treatments, different strains, sexes, sizes. Use of multi-factorial design.
• Planning and Organising - key issues in designing and analysing effective (simple) experiments.
• Self-Assessment Activity - series of case studies and true/false questions with feedback to self-assess your understanding.
• Software Tools & References - where to get further information.

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PK-SIMS - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-22ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive pharmacokinetic simulation program which presents
graphical displays of the relationship between dosage
regimen and drug plasma levels

An easy-to-use, menu-driven program, which allows the user to investigate the pharmacokinetic relationships between the dose regimen of a drug administered to an individual, and the blood plasma concentration. A number of parameters may be selected:

1. The individual may be "normal", suffering from severe liver damage or suffering severe kidney failure;

2. A range of drugs are available: ampicillin, digoxin, propranolol, phenytoin, diazepam, lignocaine, quinidine, gentamicin, paracetamol.

3. Different routes of administration: single i.v. dose, single oral dose, repeated i.v. dose, repeated oral dose, continuous i.v. infusion, single sub-cutaneous dose, single i.m. dose.

4. Different dosage regimen: size of the drug dose, duration of the investigation, dose interval, size of any loading dose administered,

Once the program parameters have been selected, the program will calculate the drug plasma concentrations and present, on-screen, a variety of graphical (plasma concentration of drug (y-axis) against time (x-axis) using either linear x-y axes or log y linear x-axes) or numerical outputs. The display also shows recommended upper and lower plasma concentration levels for the chosen drug.

The program is aimed at students of pharmacology on a variety of undergraduate courses e.g. medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences. The program is supported by printed student-centred exercises.

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Respiratory Pharmacology - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-24ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

• The aims and objectives of the program
• the structure of the airways, the physiological control of bronchial smooth muscle tone pharmacology, airway smooth muscle receptor pharmacology, pathophysiology (asthma and COPD) and it’s treatment.
• the guinea pig preparation and the apparatus used to monitor airway function.

• Vehicle (0.9ml saline);
• Bronchoconstrictors (Histamine: 3 single doses and + mepyramine, + indomethacin, + propranolol;
• Acetylcholine (3 single doses and + atropine, + indomethacin, + propranolol;
• Bradykinin (3 single doses and + indomethacin;)
• Vagal Stimulation: (low frequency stimulation, LF + atropine, high frequency stimulation, HF + atropine);
• Bronchodilators (bombesin treated: single dose, + epinephrine, + mepyramine)

• Histamine, + mepyramine;
• LTC4 + mepyramine, + montelucast;
• Antigen (i.v.) + mepyramine; + mepyramine and montelucast.

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Medicine - The Discovery Process - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-17ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive computer-based tutorial to introduce the
principles of the drug discovery process

This highly interactive program combines a tutorial and a self-assessment exercise in the form of a ‘game’.

Tutorial – this is divided into several sections, each of which may be accessed in any order:

• The Pharmaceutical Industry - setting the scene: an introduction to the industry, some historical aspects of drug discovery, different functions of medicines;
• Selecting a Disease Area: describes the sort of issues which the industry will consider in deciding what sort of drug they wish to develop;
• Selecting the target: introduces potential drug targets (enzymes, receptors and ion channels) and uses examples of common diseases to illustrate how different drugs act;
• Initial Screening: describes techniques (high throughput screening) and principles of using an assay to test large libraries of potential compounds;
• The Screening Cascade: covers the methods (enzyme assay, cell assay, mode of action test, selectivity test and optimization) used to identify a small number of potential compounds with which to proceed into development;
• Safety Testing and Clinical Trials: describes methods of toxicity testing, and phase I, II and III of clinical trials;
• Self-assessment section: contains a number of largely multiple-choice questions covering each of the sections

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program, and features such as animation, a glossary and hotword facility are used to enhance student learning. The program is highly interactive and uses several features to promote this. For example, the main sections all have associated student tasks/self-assessment questions, e.g., true/false questions with feedback, drag-and-drop exercises, data interpretation exercises, calculations, case histories, role-play decision-making group activities. These are designed to consolidate knowledge and to allow students to self-assess their understanding of the section they have completed. They are also used to present additional information and explanations through the feedback. Glossary (definitions of terms) and hotword/hypertext links (fuller explanations of terms and concepts) are used throughout. The section of multiple-choice questions allows students to self-assess their knowledge.

The learning package is intended to be used either: to support existing teaching of modules containing pharmacology, or for independent study. Brief trials with high school students have indicated that it would occupy students for one to two hours of study and that it works best when students study in pairs.

Student Exercise - takes the form of a ‘game’ and is designed to complement the interactive tutorial. Students are placed in the shoes of a project team working for a fictitious pharmaceutical company ‘Lion Pharmaceuticals’. They have a brief to identify three potential new medicines to treat prostate cancer (the selected disease area) starting with Lion’s library of compounds and an identified target (a key enzyme).

The team have to make crucial decisions at each step of the process. Poor decisions trigger the intervention of a Project Manager whose job is to keep the team within budget and on schedule. He advises the team when he intervenes but also penalizes them with the loss of a ‘life’. The team have to complete the task with the loss of fewer than five ‘lives’.

The game is divided into four sections which follow closely mirror the approach of the tutorial program.

• High Throughput Screening – students must decide the number of compounds from the library to test and, using a simulated spread-sheet to help them, decide on the optimum use of resources (human and machine) to complete the task.
• The Screening Cascade (enzyme assay, cell assay, mode of action test) - students have to decide on the best way of conducting this series of tests – either to develop and carry out the tests in series or in parallel.
• Compound Profiling - here students study the properties (water solubility, toxicity, ionic charge and chemical ‘attractiveness’) of the small number of families of compounds and singletons and select three to take into the final stage.
• Animal (in vivo) testing - at this stage there are ten possible compounds remaining. Students have to reduce this number to three by eliminating ‘candidates’ from results of five ‘in vivo’ studies in animals. They are presented with results of the compounds on: plasma concentration (after oral dosing in mice); target enzyme activity in rats; prostate gland weight in rabbits in which prostate cancer has been induced; tumour cell growth rate; and preliminary safety and toxicity testing.

The emphasis is on reinforcing their learning and highlighting important principles of the discovery process e.g. efficient use of resources, use relatively inexpensive in vitro testing for preliminary screening, in vivo (animal) studies are expensive, the discovery process is long (several years) and very costly.

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Epilepsy - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-7ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

An interactive, tutorial program for undergraduate students

This highly interactive program is divided into several sections each accessed from a menu:

Introduction: incidence of epilepsy, definitions, terminology, symptoms, diagnosis

Causes of Seizures: covers the variety of causes e.g. infection, birth & perinatal damage, metabolic disturbances, genetic causes, head trauma, tumour, drugs, vascular insults, congenital malformations, febrile convulsions in children, neurodegenerative disease

Classification of Seizures: main features and symptoms of partial (simple and complex) and generalised seizures (tonic-clonic, absence, atonic and myoclonic)

Seizure Mechanisms: describes the underlying mechanisms and factors contributing to initiation, synchronization and propagation of the abnormal neural discharge

Screening for potential anti-seizure drugs: describes the major tests: MES, PTZ and kindling and indicates their usefulness in predicting efficacy of tested drugs against different seizure types

Anti-seizure drugs: focuses on the structure, clinical usefulness, mechanism of action and important clinical pharmacology of phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate and ethosuximide

Status Epilepticus: describes the main clinical features and treatment of this condition.

High quality colour graphics are used extensively throughout the program and features such as animation, a Hypertext facility and interactive student-tasks are used to enhance student learning.

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Neuromuscular Pharmacology - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-20ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer simulation of experiments which may be performed on cat sciatic
nerve-tibialis anterior muscle in vivo to teach the essentials
of neuromuscular pharmacology

An interactive, menu driven and easy to use program which simulates experiments performed on the sciatic nerve-anterior tibialis muscle preparation of the cat (in vivo) to illustrate the important differences in the pharmacological action of depolarizing and non-depolarizing blocking agents.

An on-screen student handbook covers:

• an outline, using text and graphics of the process of neuromuscular transmission
• the preparation of the anaesthetised cat,
• the protocol for sciatic nerve stimulation and isometric recording of evoked contractions of the anterior tibialis muscle.
• a summary of the actions of the different types of blocking agents
• the clinical relevance of the different blocking agents.

The Experiments Section presents high-resolution graphic simulations of experimental results (muscle contractions), in accelerated time, on a scrolling display to simulate a chart recorder.

Phase I experiments - each experiment compares the action of the two types of neuromuscular blocking agent using d-tubocurarine as an example of a non-depolarizing blocker and decamethonium as an example of a depolarizing blocker.

• administered i.v.
• administered close arterially
• inconjunction with an anticholinesterase
• inconjunction with a different competitive (non-depolarizing) blocker
• inconjunction with a different depolarizing blocker
• inresponse to tetanic stimulation
• inresponse to acetylcholine administered by close arterial injection.

Phase II experiments

• the effects of four successive doses of decamethonium followed by the effects of tetanic stimulation and an anticholinesterase

Student Activities

Each experiment has an associated student activity designed to assess understanding of the experimental results. These might be a series of true/false statements or a table to complete. There are also some suggested questions which would form the basis of a report of the experiment.

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Neuromuscular Junction - Wins Single User - Student Shipped in 2 days Cat.# SB-28ST $ 90.00 ADD TO CART

A computer-based, interactive tutorial to teach the essential physiology
and pharmacology to undergraduate students

This highly interactive CBL program is designed to teach the essential physiology and pharmacology of the neuromuscular junction. It is intended for first or second year undergraduate students of medicine, physiology, pharmacology and biological sciences. Some sections may also be appropriate for health-related courses. It is suitable for primary learning, revision or as a resource to support other types of teaching. It should occupy students for 3-4 hours of study.

Learning Objectives: after working through this program students should be able to:

• Describe the functional anatomy of the skeletal neuromuscular junction;
• Explain the process of neurotransmission;
• Describe the characteristics of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the actions of acetylcholine at these receptors;
• Explain the differences in mode of action of depolarising and non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents and the characteristics of the blocks they produce;
• Describe the clinical use of anticholinesterases;
• Discuss the clinical implications of using neuromuscular blocking agents.

Content: the program is divided into several sections:

Introduction: gives an overview of content and approach of the program;

Neuromuscular Transmission: uses animated stepwise sequences to describe synthesis of acetylcholine, transmitter release mechanisms, action of acetylcholine at receptors and transmitter inactivation;

Acetylcholine Receptors: describes the function of and action of acetylcholine at both pre- and post-synaptic nicotinic receptors;

Pharmacology: gives examples of, and describes the characteristics and mechanism of action of depolarising and non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents and anticholinesterases;

Clinical Aspects: covers the clinical use of neuromuscular blocking agents and anticholinesterases (particularly for treatment of myaesthenia gravis). This section describes how depth of blockade may be monitored, and the pharmacokinetics, characteristics, side-effects and drug interactions of clinically used drugs.

The approach is to combine succinct textual/factual descriptions with graphics and to use features such as animation and hotwords where appropriate. Hotwords function either to define terms which may be unfamiliar to the student or to provide additional, sometimes more detailed or advanced information. Some experimental data, which illustrates the different actions of neuromuscular blocking agents in animal models, is also used. The program contains numerous self-assessment questions e.g. multiple choice and true/false questions with feedback, drag and drop exercises (to test e.g. knowledge of stepwise sequences), and clinically-related scenarios. These are designed primarily to promote and reinforce learning rather than to test students. Learning by this method is non-intimidating, is independent of time and place, may be self-paced and may take place either individually or in small groups.

Blood Pressure: Reflex Control - Wins Single User Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-12 $ 42.70 ADD TO CART

This interactive tutorial focuses on the baroreceptor reflex, which maintains blood supply to the brain, particularly during postural changes. It covers concepts of feedback control and the regulation of blood pressure. The tutorial complements lectures and practical classes for medical, health sciences, physiology and physiotherapy students. It aims to improve understanding of:

• the mechanisms used by the body to monitor blood pressure and relay this information to the brain,
• how the brain processes this information, and
• how an appropriate response is produced in the heart and blood vessels.

The tutorial begins with a short case study of prolonged bed rest, which forms the basis for more discussion later in the tutorial.

In the first section, you familiarise yourself with the cardiovascular control centre in the brain, zooming in on a functional view of the vasomotor areas of the medulla - the cardiovascular pressor centre, cardiovascular depressor centre, and input region. More anatomical detail and a structural view of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM), nucleus of tractus solitarius (NTS), rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and nucleus ambiguus (NAm) are also provided. Feedback mechanisms in the regulation of blood pressure by the autonomic nervous system are revised, and then you look at signal inputs and ouputs. Click on the "stimulate me" buttons for animations of afferent neurones, efferent neurones and neuronal circuits, and compare bursts of action potentials using the "listen to me" buttons.

Your next task is to build a simple neuronal circuit. From a palette you create receptors and neurones (afferent neurones, sympathetic efferent neurones, parasympathetic efferent neurones, excitatory interneurones, inhibitory interneurones), and position them on a simplified template to build a functioning negative-feedback neuronal circuit. Click "raise BP" at any stage to begin the animation and see the action potentials moving around the system you have designed. Context-sensitive hints and feedback guide you in your choices. Watching the animated outcome is quite entertaining, and setting up an unworkable arrangement and watching it unfold to its logical conclusion helps to build stronger understanding and problem-solving skills.

Your main practical task is to build a model of the arterial baroreceptor reflex control of blood pressure. You select receptors and neurones as before and place them on a functional template that includes: the cardiovascular pressor centre, cardiovascular depressor centre and input region of the medulla; peripheral blood vessels; carotid sinus; carotid artery; aortic arch; vena cava; heart; parasympathetic ganglion; cervical sympathetic ganglion; thoracic sympathetic ganglion; and the cervical/thoracic, lumbar and sacral sections of the spinal cord. When you complete the model you can observe its operation and use it to answer questions from the Tasks sheet supplied. You can also get the human to stand up and see how the system maintains blood supply to the brain when posture changes, which brings us back to the initial case study.

Authors: Debbi A. Weaver, Lea Delbridge, Peter J. Harris, Tom Petrovic, Robert E. Kemm

Kidney Epithelial Transport: Proximal Tubule - Wins Single User Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-14 $ 33.65 ADD TO CART

This interactive tutorial focuses on how the transport of solutes occurs in the proximal tubule of the kidney and how these systems are regulated by hormones and nerves. The tutorial complements lectures and practical classes for medical, health sciences, physiology and physiotherapy students. It aims to improve understanding of:

• functional and structural relations between parts of the nephron
• filtrate composition and solute movements across the proximal tubule epithelium
• cellular mechanisms at work in a proximal tubule epithelial cell
• how transport of solutes may be limited
• how hormones can regulate solute transport.

The tutorial begins with the anatomy of the kidney and nephron. You can explore photographs and diagrams of the kidney and nephron and view enhanced electron micrographs of the proximal tubule.

Analysis of proximal tubule transport is introduced with explanations of the use of inulin and creatinine as markers for water reabsorption and how their clearance can be used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). You take samples to determine concentrations in tubular fluid and compare TF/P ratios along the proximal tubule of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, amino acids, inulin, and osmotic concentration to decide whether each is reabsorbed or secreted or not reabsorbed or secreted.

You are then asked to construct a functioning proximal tubule epithelial cell capable of reabsorbing sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, amino acids and water by placing membrane transporters and channels on a cell template. Click "start cell" at any stage to begin the animation and see the ions and solutes move according to your design. Context-sensitive hints and feedback guide you toward the correct positioning of the Na+K+ATPase, Na+H+ exchanger, K+ channel, Na+HCO3- cotransporter, solute (X) transporter and Na+X cotransporter. Putting transporters in incorrect positions and watching the animated outcome is quite entertaining, and setting up an unworkable arrangement and watching it unfold to its logical conclusion helps to build stronger understanding and problem-solving skills.

You investigate the saturation of transporters in the proximal tubule through an interactive animation of the renal threshold for glucose. Various rates of glucose filtration are applied to illustrate the concept of maximum transport. The tasks include questions on diabetes.

To view an example of a control mechanism for sodium reabsorption, you apply angiotensin II to your model of a proximal tubule cell with an AT1 receptor in place. You investigate the effect of applying an AT1 blocker.

Part A of the tutorial ends with a look at the relation between filtration and reabsorption in a superficial proximal tubule.

In Part B, you investigate the control by various hormones and neurotransmitters of reabsorption of water and solutes in the proximal tubule using the cell model you constructed. The model now has basolateral receptors for ANF (atrial natriuretic factor), endothelin, insulin, angiotension II and noradrenaline. You can apply these hormones, and also AT1 antagonist (AT1-receptor blocker) and amiloride, to the cell to investigate the effects on sodium reabsorption, specifically its suppression.

Authors: Debbi Weaver, Robert Kemm, Lea Delbridge, Tom Petrovic, Peter Harris

Kidney: Glomerular Filtration - Wins Single User Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-15 $ 33.65 ADD TO CART

The 'Kidney: glomerular filtration' CD-ROM is a tutorial program designed to complement medical and health sciences courses that focus on human and animal kidney functions. The tutorial program offers interactive simulations that actively engage students and accelerate understanding of the factors influencing glomerular filtration.

Students can investigate the effects of six factors that commonly alter the rate of glomerular filtration, namely: blood pressure; sympathetic nervous activity; hormones, especially angiotensin II; the effectiveness of the filtration barrier; plasma protein content; pressure in the proximal tubule and Bowman's capsule.

Authors: Tom Petrovic, Cobern Ott and Peter J. Harris

Secretory Epithelia - Wins Single User Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-16 $ 33.65 ADD TO CART

This interactive tutorial focuses on the cellular transport processes involved in the production of secretions by different organs of the body. It is designed to complement a medical or health science course. The five independent sections may be completed separately or worked through in sequence.

The first section is an introduction to secretion and covers the basic process of 2-stage secretion and the effect of flow rate on secretory fluid composition.

The section on sweat includes an interactive exercise building a cell model and control mechanisms, and covers the generation of a transepithelial current loop.

The section on saliva includes an interactive exercise on flow rates and fluid composition, and animated demonstrations of cell transport processes and control mechanisms.

Pancreatic secretions are covered in a section which includes introductory functional anatomy and animated demonstrations of cell transport processes and control mechanisms.

The final section describes cystic fibrosis as an example of a genetic mutation which produces different changes in secretions at different sites in the body. It includes introductory information on cystic fibrosis mutations, and animated demonstrations of cell transport processes in airway epithelia, both with and without cystic fibrosis. (Cystic fibrosis is used as a recurrent example of impaired secretion throughout all modules.)

All chapters include questions designed to revise and extend the material covered in the tutorial.

Authors: Debbi A. Weaver, Robert E. Kemm, David Cook, Peter J. Harris, Tom Petrovic

Pharmacokinetics - Wins   Mac Student Version Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-10ST $ 24.55 ADD TO CART

A Pharmacokinetics Tutorial

Pharmacokinetics Tutorial manages to introduce pharmacokinetics in an approach that is at once user-friendly and socially responsible. The on-screen tutorial begins with a case study that has an all too familiar theme, "An Evening at the Pub". You are invited to join our fictional subject and also be "breathalysed"; results are shown based on the values you enter for body weight, timing, meals eaten, and number of standard beers consumed.

The concepts of dose, volume of distribution and clearance are introduced and explained using meaningful analogies. You are challenged at various stages by interactive questions. Feedback and hints are given. Topics include: routes of administration and types of preparations; fastest entry into the plasma; conceptual calculations of dose, volume of distribution and plasma concentration; correlation between volume of distribution and where a drug is distributed in the body; calculations of volume of distribution for heparin, alcohol and digoxin; conceptual calculations of clearance rate.

The section on pharmacokinetic models uses the interactive simulator, which allows you to vary the dose, volume of distribution and clearance and then plots graphs for you of plasma concentration versus time.

You undertake three investigations on first-order kinetics. First you alter the dose of a drug given intravenously to observe its effect on the change in plasma concentration with time. Then you investigate the effects of altering volume of distribution and clearance. In each of the investigations you select initial values, obtain graphs of plasma concentration, and answer questions based on your interpretation of the graphs. You should achieve a good understanding of the relationship between half-life, dose, volume of distribution and clearance.

Zero-order kinetics returns us to the case study. You track our fictional subject's blood alcohol concentration through the night and then use the simulator to investigate the effect of varying the dose of ethanol. The Tutorial ends with a comparison of first-order and zero-order kinetics and the relationship between rate of elimination, plasma concentration and half-life.

Authors: Dr James Ziogas and Dr Michael Lew, Dr Gregor Kennedy and Kevin Sweeney

DNA Explorer - Wins Student Version Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-7ST $ 24.55 ADD TO CART

An ability to access and analyse biologically relevant data is essential for biomedical scientists - there are few, if any, experiments undertaken these days that do not involve some element of online data analysis, ranging from literature and DNA sequence searches to 3D molecular modelling. However, even simple analysis tasks often require many different software packages and databases to be used in a co-ordinated manner.

Students begin by exploring a "virtual laboratory" where they are presented with a microbiological problem - a suspected case of smallpox. Background information is included in the program but in order to solve the problem students much investigate DNA sequences using global biology databases. DNA explorer provides a framework for students to access the relevant databases, interpret their findings and consider their implications.

Authors: Richard Strugnell, Brendan Crabb, Carol Ginns, Terry Judd, Gregor Kennedy and Mike Keppell

Introduction to Cardiac Arrhythmias - Wins   Mac Single User Shipped in 4 days Cat.# MU-23 $ 42.70 ADD TO CART

Introduction to Cardiac Arrhythmias is designed to help you to develop beginning level skills in interpreting and analysing cardiac rhythm disturbances (cardiac arrhythmias).

The program was originally developed for students enrolled in subjects within the human sciences discipline. Therefore, you should note that all rhythm strips contained in the program have been recorded in adult humans in the acute care setting.

Animations have been used to link the altered electrocardiographic features of common arrhythmias to specific impulse formation or conduction abnormality. This approach will assist you to recognise cardiac rhythm disturbances and relate them to the altered impulse formation of conduction.

Authors: Jacqui Behan and David Glanville

Interactive Functional Anatomy DVD-ROM  Wins   Mac Student Version Shipped in 7 days Cat.# PR-3ST $170.00 ADD TO CART To view sample screens CLICK HERE to go to the Human Anatomy Section. Use your browser BACK button to return to this page.

Interactive Functional Anatomy contains a complete 3D model of the entire skeleton with muscles, ligaments, bones, arteries, and nerves, all presented in eight different views. Through the use of advanced medical imaging and computer graphic techniques, every visible feature has been labelled and provides access to an extensive range of full text articles on bones, muscles, and ligaments. Each article describes proximal and distal attachments, blood supply, innervation, function in open and closed kinetic chain, and common injuries.

Interactive Functional Anatomy also incorporates a wide selection of interactive functions and advanced animations. Each 3D anatomical feature and its corresponding text article provides a link to attachments, patient information, surface anatomy movies, and 3D animations of muscle function, that can be fully rotated. Moreover, a selection of complex interactive animations, based on motion capture data and electromyography, has been included, which show common activities such as push ups and walking.

ALSO AVAILABLE VIA ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS