Thyroid hormone plays an important role in development and functional maintenance in the central nervous system. Deficiency of thyroid hormone during fetal and early postnatal life induces abnormal development known as cretinism in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of thyroid hormone action has not yet been fully understood. Thyroid hormone action in the brain may be disrupted under various pathological conditions. In addition, environmental factors including endocrine-disrupting chemicals and bacterial endotoxins may disrupt thyroid hormone action in brain, causing abnormal brain development and functional disruption. This is a first book to comprehensively describe the effect of thyroid hormone disruption in the central nervous system. The first section deals with the disruption of thyroid hormone action at the molecular level. First the authors provide a summary of the possible molecular mechanisms of thyroid hormone action in the brain, then they discuss several factors that may disrupt thyroid hormone action. In the second section, animal models to study thyroid hormone action will be introduced. An interesting character of thyroid hormone deficiency is that, without thyroid hormone, the thyroid hormone receptor may act as a "repressor" of gene expression, causing more severe consequence than those of thyroid hormone receptor knockout animals. Thus, several different kind of animal models may be used to clarify the role of thyroid hormone and its receptor in the brain. In the third section, human studies on thyroid disease and neurodevelopment will be introduced. Although endemic cretinism induced by iodine deficiency and sporadic cretinism by various thyroid mutation are well known, the pathophysiological mechanisms that create each abnormal phenotype are not fully understood.

This comprehensive volume discusses in vitro laboratory development of insulin-producing cells. It encompasses multiple aspects of islet biology-from embryonic development and stem cell differentiation to clinical studies in islet transplantation, regulation of islet beta-cell regeneration, pancreatic progenitors, mathematical modelling of islet development, epigenetic regulation, and much more. The chapter authors represent leading laboratories from around the world who contribute their international perspectives and global expertise. Collectively, they provide the reader with a concise yet detailed knowledge of processes and current developments in islet regenerative biology. Pancreatic Islet Biology, part of the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series, is essential reading for researchers and clinicians in stem cells or endocrinology, especially those focusing on diabetes.

Disorders of Emotion in Neurologic Disease, Volume 183 in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology Series, informs clinicians on which neurologic diseases are likely to have a secondary effect on emotion, what to look for in diagnosis, and best practices for treatment. The book begins with an understanding of the neurological basis for emotions in order to better understand what goes awry in neurological disease. It then discusses specific neurologic diseases and disorders affecting emotion.

Due to the resultant health consequences and considerable increase in prevalence, obesity has become a major worldwide health problem. "Obesity and Lipotoxicity" is a comprehensive review of the recent researches to provide a better understanding of the lipotoxicity-related mechanisms of obesity and the potential for the development of new treatment strategies. This book overviews the biochemical pathways leading to obesity-related metabolic disorders that occur subsequent to lipotoxicity. Chapters examine the deleterious effects of nutrient excess at molecular level including the cellular and molecular aspects of breast cancer, resistance to leptin, insulin, adiponectin, and interconnection between the circadian clock and metabolic pathways during high-fat feeding. "Lipotoxicity and Obesity" will be a useful resource for clinicians and basic science researchers, such as biochemists, toxicologists, immunologists, nutritionists, adult and pediatric endocrinologists, cardiologists, as well as students who are thought in this field.

Iodine is an essential micronutrient and an integral component of the thyroid hormones, which are required for normal growth and development. The iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) encompass a spectrum of adverse health effects including goiter, cretinism, hypothyroidism, growth retardation, and increased pregnancy loss and infant mortality. This volume summarizes the current understanding of the effects of iodine deficiency as well as iodine excess. It also discusses best practices for salt iodization, the mainstay of global IDD prevention efforts, and other forms of food fortification. The effectiveness of iodine supplementation for vulnerable populations, an evolving strategy in many regions, is also described. Low level environmental exposure to chemicals such as perchlorate and thiocyanate, which competitively block thyroidal iodine uptake, appears to be ubiquitous worldwide. There has been recent concern that such environmental exposures might pose a health hazard by inducing or aggravating underlying thyroid dysfunction. This up-to-date volume explores both the effects of iodine deficiency as well as the best strategies for IDD prevention.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of the key topics in these archetypal multidisciplinary fields. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

Pancreatic islets make up the endocrine pancreas and they contain the only source of insulin in the body, beta cells. Hence, access to high quality preparations of pancreatic islets is fundamental for in vitro studies and to test pre-clinical applications in animal models in vivo. Access to healthy human islets is also crucial to improve transplantation procedures for diabetes. Given the susceptibility of pancreatic islets to the enzymatic digestion and mechanical stress required to obtain them, the isolation of islets is often considered as the delicate "work of a craftsman". This book, which is aimed at beginners and experts alike, is a survey of the current state-of-the-art in this field and it centres on the challenges, pitfalls and peculiarities of pancreatic islet isolation in the different species used in pre-clinical and clinical applications. It explores the similarities and differences between human islets and those from other relevant species (rodents, pigs and non-human primates), and how these influence islet isolation. The ultimate goal of this book is to improve the outcome of islet isolation and transplantation in pre-clinical and clinical applications.

This volume starts with an elementary introduction covering stem cell methodologies used to produce specific types of neurons, possibilities for their therapeutic use, and warnings of technical problems. In addition the authors report successes in achieving the derivation of a specific type of neuron. The dopamine neuron offers an important example and is discussed in more detail. Additional chapters cover problems obviously approachable with cells derived from stem cells, including their need in surgeries for pituitary cancers. The last chapter provides an overview of this particular field of research and presents a vision for its future directions.

Recent years have seen spectacular advances in the field of circadian biology. These have attracted the interest of researchers in many fields, including endocrinology, neurosciences, cancer, and behavior. By integrating a circadian view within the fields of endocrinology and metabolism, researchers will be able to reveal many, yet-unsuspected aspects of how organisms cope with changes in the environment and subsequent control of homeostasis. This field is opening new avenues in our understanding of metabolism and endocrinology. A panel of the most distinguished investigators in the field gathered together to discuss the present state and the future of the field. The editors trust that this volume will be of use to those colleagues who will be picking up the challenge to unravel how the circadian clock can be targeted for the future development of specific pharmacological strategies toward a number of pathologies.

The Forensic Aspects of Hypoglycaemia succinctly covers the medicolegal considerations of hypoglycaemia in a variety of scenarios including driving fatalities, petty crime, homicide and suicide. Covering the definitions and diagnosis of hypoglycaemia to its bearing on criminal behavior, this book draws on the author's extensive experience and contains a wealth of information for physicians and lawyers, including cases from the author's past and notable cases in the public domain.

This book examines how post-transcriptional mechanisms control endocrine function. This includes newly identified regulatory mechanisms involved in hormone biosynthesis, control of hormone receptors and the outputs of hormone mediated signal transduction. Chapters address endocrine hormones including protein peptide/peptide, steroid, and non-steroidal hormones. The impacts of these mechanisms on disease and health are covered, providing a novel update to the scientific literature. Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms play an essential role in controlling dynamic gene expression. The outcome of this regulation includes control of the amount, timing, and location of protein expression. Regulation is mediated by cis-acting RNA sequences and structures and transacting RNA binding proteins and non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs. Recent advances in characterization of these regulatory factors have revealed enormous regulatory potential.

This book presents the state of the art of type 2 diabetes genetics, from the process of genetic discovery to its interpretation and clinical application, and illustrates a model for other complex human phenotypes.The first section explores genome-wide association studies, the extension of this method to less accessible phenotypes and the arrival of next-generation sequencing. A further section goes beyond genetics to illustrate how other data sources can help interpret genetic data, such as leveraging population diversity, the correlation of genetic associations with physiological measurements, gene expression modulation, environmental factors and our microbial commensals. The third section describes advances in elucidating the complex path from association to function using in-depth sequencing and functional studies of the cellular and molecular effects of genes in the loci identified by genetics. The final section links our current understanding with clinically relevant questions, such as prediction, interactions with drugs or nutrients, and disease prevention, and paints a realistic but hopeful vision of the future.

The Third Edition of Medical Management of Thyroid Disease provides the most up-to-date practical guidance for the diagnosis and management of common and uncommon thyroid diseases. It reflects the advancement in guidelines and research for thyroid cancer, nodules and hypothyroidism; all presented in an accessible format with more illustrations and algorithms for management. The contributions of internationally renowned endocrinologists present the clinical aspects from the world's perspective. Key Features * Completely revised and updated * Reorganized with more algorithms for quick reference and enhanced usability * Edited by internationally renowned physicians in the field * Authoritative, comprehensive and yet easily digestible

Characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, metabolic syndrome is associated with the risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Obesity, which increases the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and subsequently leads to increased stress and inflammation, appears to play a central role in the progression of the syndrome. Evidence of inflammatory processes in accumulated fat appears to be an early initiator of metabolic syndrome. Likewise, the more active angiotensin system in obesity may contribute to even greater oxidative stress that serves as a key signaling event in vascular remodeling. These factors strengthen obesity's association with oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Obesity, Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome is designed to encourage the development of evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological therapies that can attenuate the impact of obesity-induced insulin resistance and ensuing metabolic syndrome. The book offers a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the process. Edited by leading authorities on oxidative stress, the book's chapters report on cutting-edge research that explores intracellular events mediating or preventing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory processes in obesity and type 2 diabetes. It also brings together research on the molecular mechanisms inherent in the progression of metabolic stress, includes phenotypic perspectives, and discusses dietary factors, including the role of micronutrients. The chapter authors, each a leading expert in his or her field, discuss different components of metabolic stress and obesity and their associations with oxidative stress and inflammation. The book fills a unique role as a base of knowledge for researchers seeking to develop nutritional and or pharmacological therapies, as well as clinicians seeking a better understanding of this increasingly common dis

Numerous research programs have developed over the last decade to improve the understanding of the causes, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Efficient synthesis of the data and information from these diverse sources is crucial to prioritize interventions and assemble resources for the implementation of public health programs. This book meets this need and builds on previous works to reflect the evolution of science related to diabetes public health. Through compelling evidence related to the current health and economic impact of diabetes, the book provides effective approaches to prevent and manage diabetes through the practice of public health. It combines state-of-the-art descriptions of risk factors and complications, effective and cost-effective approaches to prevention and treatment, translational research, and genomics to give a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis on diabetes public health. Critical review and synthesis of influential epidemiologic studies and consensus statements, expected future advances in trials and technologies, and public health information resources are also highlighted topics. With significant attention to diabetes control in the U.S. and North America, Diabetes Public Health should be required reading for public health practitioners and researchers, as well as anyone involved in health policy, administration and management. It will also be of interest to academics in the field of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

A comprehensive guide to help you understand why we put on weight! Dr Dawn explains our dietary needs at different stages of life, how metabolism differs, and the implications for our general health and wellbeing. There is a sensible look at the role of diet and exercise. Dr Dawn describes how even modest weight loss can affect your risk of developing other illnesses such as heart disease, and even how long you can expect to live. There is a comprehensive chapter on diabetes, including the types of diabetes and what we mean by terms like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

This new volume provides a plethora of new information about potential medicinal herbs and their usefulness in treating diabetes and neurological diseases. Most large multinational companies are interested and engaged in the commercialization of herb-based formulations, and consumers continue to seek natural-based therapies. Herbs for Diabetes and Neurological Disease Management provides insight into plant-based novel molecules targeted for diabetes and neurological disorders. It looks at a selection of herbs that have proven effective in the management of diabetes and neurological disorders, including migraine, epilepsy, memory disorders, depression, and more. Divided into ten chapters focusing on diabetes and its macro- and microvascular complications (migraine, epilepsy, memory disorders, depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders), this book is structured to provide a source of reliable information and enrich the knowledge of readers. Each chapter briefly explains the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease state and the possible role of herbal drugs in the prevention of the particular disease. The reported pharmacological activities and possible mechanism of action of herbal drugs are also discussed in detail, which makes this book informative and unique. This new volume will be a reliable reference complementing the substantial information on the use of herbal drugs in diabetes and neurological disorders that serve as the pillars of drug discovery and development.

Diabetes is a complex disease and is also one of the most common. It is very difficult to reach an accurate estimate for the global prevalence of diabetes since the standards and methods of data collection vary widely in different parts of the world. In addition, many potential sufferers are not included in the count because according to an estimate about 50% of cases remain undiagnosed for up to 10 years. However, according to an estimate for 2010, globally, there are about 285 million people (amounting to 6.4% of the adult population) suffering from this disease. This number is estimated to increase to 439 million by 2030 if no cure is found. The general increase in life expectancy, leading to an ageing population, and the global rise in obesity are two main reasons for the increase.With the basic platform set, Editor presents his views and advice to the readers, especially to diabetic patients suffering from T2DM, on the basis of his observations and information collected from other diabetics.

Historically, clinical decisions in renal medicine have been challenged by the scarce availability of robust supportive evidence. Not only are the number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Nephrology the third lowest amongst the medical specialties but in many instances the trials themselves are of poor quality. In addition, practice has been further influenced by extrapolation from the outcomes of general population clinical trials which exclude renal patients. The difference between the ideal trial participant and real complex cases encountered in daily practice is well recognized and further compounded in renal patients with complex pathophysiology - this ultimately makes decision making in this subset of patients a real challenge. Recently, there has been a growing interest in conducting well designed RCTs in different areas of renal medicine. However, though clinical guidelines are helpful in providing the clinicians with a frame of best available evidence for a clinical condition, it denies the unique nature of each individual patient. This book offers a thorough and critical appraisal and evaluation of the key published clinical trials that have shaped current practice in nephrology, dialysis and transplantation. It will help the practicing physician close the gap between the inflexible and generalized nature of clinical guidelines and the day-to-day clinical decision-making for individual patients. It will provide the clinician with the tools required to investigate and extract the appropriate guidance to apply to individual cases in daily practice. Moreover, it will help improve the ability of junior colleagues to appraise available evidence in a systematic way when there is lack of local guidelines or when the guidelines are difficult to apply due to logistic constraints or barriers. Lastly, this book will serve as a reference for key clinical trials in different areas of renal medicine together with literature and authors views of these trials and their impact on changing practice.​ 

This book covers clinical management including diagnosis, localization and physiology, for a number of clinical diseases treated by endocrinologists and surgeons. Following each chapter there is a 3-4 page biographical sketch of the person behind the clinical endocrinopathy, whose name is closely associated with the disease. The field of endocrine surgery is rich in history and this is the first text to bring together in one place the person behind the disease and the pioneers of the field. The text covers both the current management of endocrine surgical diseases, and also provides a historical background by highlighting the person in whom these discoveries were named after. Surgical Endocrinopathies is of great value to endocrine surgeons, ENT surgeons, endocrinologists, internal medicine and medical historians.

Diet is a major factor in health and disease. Controlled, long-term studies in humans are impractical, and investigators have utilized long-term epidemiological investigations to study the contributions of diet to the human condition. Such studies, while valuable, have often been limited by contradictory findings; a limitation secondary to systematic errors in traditional self-reported dietary assessment tools that limit the percentage of variances in diseases explained by diet. New approaches are available to help overcome these limitations, and Advances in the Assessment of Dietary Intake is focused on these advances in an effort to provide more accurate dietary data to understand human health. Chapters cover the benefits and limitations of traditional self-report tools; strategies for improving the validity of dietary recall and food recording methods; objective methods to assess food and nutrient intake; assessment of timing and meal patterns using glucose sensors; and physical activity patterns using validated accelerometers. Advances in the Assessment of Dietary Intake describes new avenues to investigate the role of diet in human health and serves as the most up-to-date reference and teaching tool for these methods that will improve the accuracy of dietary assessment and lay the ground work for future studies.

This book discusses the maximal power and capacity of the three major biochemical pathways ­- aerobic (oxygen consumption), anaerobic lactic (muscle lactate accumulation in absence of oxygen consumption), and anaerobic alactic (phosphocreatine hydrolysis) metabolism - as well as the factors that limit them. It also discusses the metabolic and cardio-pulmonary mechanisms of the dynamic response to exercise. The way and extent to which the power and capacity of the three major energy metabolisms are affected under a number of different conditions, such as training, hypoxia and microgravity, are also described.

This volume provides the reader with a pathophysiological perspective on the role of CNS in puberty and adolescence, starting from genetic/molecular aspects, going through structural/imaging changes and leading to physical/behavioral characteristics. Therefore, renowned investigators involved in both animal and human research shared recent data as well as overall appraisal of relevant questions around CNS control of puberty and adolescence. No doubt that this volume will inspire those involved in either scientific research or clinical practice or both in the fascinating field of puberty and adolescence.

Any surgical intervention, elective or acute, may lead to postoperative complications. Moreover, the pertaining approach - laparoscopic or open - will probably not differ in the morbidity rate after surgery. Complications that occur after a surgical intervention can be classified as major or minor. Major complications to the digestive tract after surgery imply in most of cases a leakage of an anastomosis, bleeding in the abdominal cavity or in the tract, the appearance of intraperitoneal abscesses, or surgical site infections and wound dehiscence. These complications, depending on the organ affected, upper GI, HPB tract or colorectal, are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early suspicion and diagnosis, followed by an early and effective treatment is imperative in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality. Adequate treatment will involve a good coordination of the three disciplines involved in treatment: the surgeon, the intervention radiologist, and the gastroenterologist. Approach of these postoperative complications is changing constantly and these changes are not properly known by general and more specialized digestive surgeons daily involved in the treatment of these diseases. The proposal for this book is to offer a systematic description of the most frequent complications occurring in the three above mentioned parts of the digestive tract. In this way, the reader will have access to a practical book in which every current complication can be easily recognized, along with relevant information as guide for an adequate treatment.

This volume offers an up-to-date overview on the major areas of gynecological endocrinology, presenting the latest advances in adolescent gynecological endocrinology, assisted reproduction, menstrual-related disorders, sexuality and transsexualism, polycystic ovary syndrome, myometrial pathology and adenomyosis, obesity and metabolic syndrome, hormonal contraception, premature ovarian failure and menopause. In each chapter the recent advances deriving from basic science and clinical investigations are related to the practical management of the condition under consideration, taking into account the need for individualized therapies. The book is published within the ISGE Book Series, a joint venture between the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology and Springer and is based on the 2014 International School of Gynecological and Reproductive Endocrinology Winter Course. It will be an important tool for obstetricians and gynecologists, endocrinologists and experts in women's health as well as interested GPs.