This textbook considers the medical, surgical, legal and ethical aspects of establishing and maintaining an office-based egg donation programme. Chapters discuss: indications and success rates; screening and demographics of recipients and donors; preparation of the endometrium; synchronization of cycles; obstetrical outcomes; risks and complications; gestational carriers; consents and contracts; and ethics.

Androgen Deficiency and Testosterone Replacement: Current Controversies and Strategies explores the difficulties around the diagnosis and treatment of androgen deficiency. The text examines the available evidence concerning the diagnosis and treatment of men with low testosterone. It also examines controversies in the identification and management of these men. While the information contained within will be of use to those who specialize in androgen deficiency and sexual medicine, the scope of the book will serve as a source of basic information about testosterone replacement and as a source of reasoned analysis of the controversies surrounding testosterone replacement in the aging male. Physicians and physician extenders will be able to apply evidence management principles to the evaluation and treatment of men with testosterone deficiency; supported by the most recent practice guidelines available. The authors represent a select group of physicians with expertise in androgen deficiency and replacement. Androgen Deficiency and Testosterone Replacement: Current Controversies and Strategies will be of great value to all physicians and physician extenders who deliver health care to men of all ages.

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.

This second edition is a one-source guide to current information about red blood cell physiology and the action of native and recombinant human erythropoietic factors. Topics in the fields of erythropoiesis, recombinant protein discovery and production, and treatment of patients with anemia due to renal failure, cancer, or chronic diseases are covered. The newest theories in erythropoiesis (receptors, signaling), manufacturing, new formulations, and clinical research are discussed.

This book is of interest to researchers and clinical investigators in academia and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, to clinical research associates, clinical monitors, and physician investigators.

A single volume of 31 articles, Mechanisms of Hormone Actions on Behavior is an authoritative selection of relevant chapters from the Hormones Brain and Behavior 2e MRW, the most comprehensive source of neuroendocrinological information assembled to date (AP June 2009).
The study of hormones as they impact the brain and, subsequently, behavior is a central topic in neuroscience, endocrinology and psychiatry. This volume offers an overview of neuroendocrinological topics, approaching the subject from the perspective of the mechanisms which control hormone actions on behavior. Female, male and stress hormones are discussed at the cellular, behavioral and developmental level, and sexual differentiation of the development of hormone-dependent neuronal systems, neuropeptides/neuromodulators, and steroid-inducedneuroplasticity are addressed. There is simply no other current single-volume reference with such comprehensive coverage and depth.
Authors selected are the internationally renowned experts for the particular topics on which they write, and the volume is richly illustrated with over 175 figures (over 50 in color). A collection of articles reviewing our fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of neuroendocrinology, the book provides an essential, affordable reference for researchers, clinicians and graduate students in the area.
- The most comprehensive single-volume source of up-to-date data on the mechanisms behind neuroendocrinology, with review articles covering x, y z
- Chapters synthesize information otherwise dispersed across a number of journal articles and book chapters, thus saving researchers the time consuming process of finding and integrating this information themselves
- Offering outstanding scholarship, each chapter is written by an expert in the topic area and approximately 35% of chapters are written by international contributors
- Provides more fully vetted expert knowledge than any existing work with broad appeal for the US, UK and Europe, accurately crediting the contributions to research in those regions
- Heavily illustrated with 175 figures, approximately 54 in color
- Presents material in most visually useful form for the reader

Sperm DNA damage is common and has been associated with reduced rates of conception, impaired embryonic development and increased risk of miscarriage. Although the exact causes of sperm DNA damage are unknown, it is clear that infertile men possess substantially higher levels of sperm DNA damage than do fertile men. Written by leading, internationally renowned clinicians and basic scientists with expertise in sperm DNA, Sperm Chromatin: Biological and Clinical Applications in Male Infertility and Assisted Reproduction provides readers with a thoughtful and comprehensive review of the biological and clinical significance of sperm DNA damage. The work covers the fundamental principles of sperm chromatin architecture and function, the proposed modes of DNA damage and repair, the tests of sperm DNA damage, the clinical aspects of DNA damage and the impact of DNA damage on reproductive outcome. Unlike any other title on the topic, Sperm Chromatin: Biological and Clinical Applications in Male Infertility and Assisted Reproduction is an invaluable addition to the literature and will serve as an indispensable resource for basic scientists with an interest in sperm biology and for urologists, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and embryologists working in the field of infertility.

Responding to a renewed interest in the growing problem of iodine deficiency worldwide, Drs. Charles Oxnard and Peter Obendorf, along with experienced translator and anatomist John Dennison, take a fresh look at the classic text, Der endemische Kretinismus, published in 1936 by Springer. Translated here for the first time into English, this landmark text will be a welcome resource for researchers confronting the problem of iodine deficiency. Oxnard and Obendorf point out that there is very little detailed knowledge or numerical data on cretinism available in the English-speaking world. In addition, highly-renowned Professor Basil S. Hetzel, recently-retired World Health Organization Chairman of the International Council for Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders, published in 2009 with Dr Chen Zu-pei on the resurgence of iodine deficiency in China. Indeed, throughout the entire developing world there may be as many as two billion people at risk to iodine deficiency; perhaps three quarters of a billion have goiter, and ten million may be cretins. Even in developed countries, iodine deficiency is re-emerging (as in New South Wales in 19% of children) with the result of significantly reduced numbers of gifted children (though this is not cretinism per se). Certain to be of significant interest to a wide range of researchers, health providers and professionals, including government health administrators, this English translation of Endemic Cretinism is a major contribution to the literature.

Historically the field of endocrine research has always been at the forefront of scientific endeavors. The investigators of these important breakthroughs in research have been rewarded by numerous Nobel awards. In the field of diabetes alone, Nobel prizes have been awarded to researchers who discovered insulin, characterized the protein and invented radioimmunoassays using insulin as a paradigm. Not surprisingly, biomedical researchers have always been attracted by the endocrine system and other similar systems of intercellular communication.
Over the past two decades, endocrine research has developed rapidly and adapted modern molecular and cellular biology techniques for its specific use. These changes have allowed researchers in the field to maintain their edge. Thus, endocrine disease-related genes have been characterized and mutations in these genes have helped explain common and
less common endocrine disorders. Our understanding of the regulation of gene expression has been greatly enhanced by molecular techniques.
In an attempt to bring investigators up to date with the recent advances in this exploding field we have decided to publish a series entitled Advances in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Internationally famous investigators have agreed to participate and their contributions are appreciated.
Volume 1 has focused on aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis including GnRH and GH gene regulation, molecular aspects of insulin, insulin-like growth factors and glucagon. In addition, reviews on the recently cloned calcium receptor and steroid receptor interactions with DNA are presented.

The second edition of this work continues to address the intimate pathophysiologic relationship between hypertension and stroke. The editors and authors clearly and concisely synthesize our developing knowledge of this relationship and place epidemiologic and physiologic information into a practical clinical context. Comprehensive chapters present the evidence supporting strategies for stroke prevention and care, including blood pressure lowering therapies, anti-coagulation, and management of other cerebrovascular risk factors. In addition to prescriptive measures for first stroke prevention, the book illuminates current regimens for care immediately after acute stroke and for the prevention of recurrent stroke. This latest edition also features extensively updated chapters from the previous edition, as well as new chapters on the effects of hypertension and stroke on the cerebral vasculature, blood pressure management in subarachnoid hemorrhage, and blood pressure variability, antihypertensive therapy, and stroke risk. Written by experts in the field, Hypertension and Stroke: Pathophysiology and Management, Second Edition is of great utility for specialists in neurology and cardiovascular medicine and a valuable practical resource for all physicians caring for older adults and hypertensive patients.

This book is one of the first to evaluate the role of Steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements and focuses on the importance of steroidal hormones in the pathogenesis and therapeutic management of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In particular, the chapters analyze the mechanisms of action and the involvement of adrenal steroids (glucocorticoids) in the neuroendocrine immune system, including effects on the elderly.
The perturbations of the HPA axis as a source of altered steroidal synthesis will be discussed and related to some interesting pathological conditions that commonly complicate the autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as psychosis or fibromyalgia. Concerning the role of gonadal steroids (sex hormones), several chapters will discuss clinical and epidemiological evidences of their role, as well as their effects as risk factors in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including a section on pediatrics.
*The premier issue evaluating the role of steroids in autoimmune rheumatic diseases from the basic mechanisms to the clinical involvements
*Documents the latest research and indicate recent and coming new therapeutic-biological approaches to the therapy
*The book will present therapeutic perspectives concerning the new glucocorticoids, and the effects of biological drugs on their synthesis

This practice-oriented book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the history, surgical anatomy, etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The coverage is wide ranging, encompassing, for example, innovations in both medical and surgical treatment, current indications for parathyroidectomy, the role and performance of minimally invasive surgery, the value of intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring and guidance on reoperations. Individual chapters are devoted to particular conditions and disease settings, including multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2 and parathyroid carcinoma, with provision of information on genetic testing, clinical manifestations and therapy. All aspects of secondary hyperparathyroidism in predialysis and dialysis patients are discussed. The book is endorsed by the Italian Society of Surgery. It will be of great value for endocrine surgeons and endocrinologists and will also be of interest to specialists in internal medicine, nephrologists, urologists, gynecologists and radiologists.

Lipidology is the study of cholesterol, in particular in finding treatments for high cholesterol and other lipid disorders. This book is a comprehensive guide to lipidology for endocrinologists and trainees. Divided into four sections, the text begins with an overview of the specialty, followed by discussion on clinical aspects - dietary issues and cardiovascular disease, lipid markers, good cholesterol, lipoproteins and more. The next section covers therapeutic lipidology, from diet and exercise, to statins, HDL-targeted (high density lipoproteins), and evolving targets such as PCSK9 inhibitors (a type of medicine for lowering cholesterol in the blood). The final section examines Dyslipidemia (an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood) in specific sectors of the population - children and adolescents, pregnant women, the elderly, in HIV patients, and in patients with chronic kidney disease. The book is highly illustrated with clinical images and figures to assist learning. Key points Comprehensive guide to lipidology for endocrinologists and trainees Covers many therapeutic options including evolving techniques Discusses management of Dyslipidemia in specific population sectors Highly illustrated with images, diagrams and tables

In this fascinating book, Jacques Balthazart presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies published over the last few decades, he argues that sexual orientation, both homosexual and heterosexual, is under the control of embryonic endocrine and genetic phenomena in which there is little room for individual choice. The author begins with animal studies of the hormonal and neural mechanisms that control the so-called instinctive behaviors and analyzes how this animal work may potentially apply to humans. The book does not focus exclusively on homosexuality, however. Instead, the book acts as a broader guide to the biological basis of sexual orientation, and also discusses important gender differences that may influence sexual orientation. While firmly grounded in the scientific literature, this text is developed for a broader audience and will be of interest to psychologists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the biological factors that determine our sexuality.

The American Cancer Society recently estimated that about 45,000 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, with three-quarters occurring in women. The overall 5-year survival rate is about 97%, making it one of the least lethal cancers. We are experiencing an epidemic of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, in part due to the widespread use of imaging modalities that detect thyroid nodules and microcarcinomas. Concurrently, there have been a number of recent advances in surgical treatment, as well as diagnostic modalities that allow us to detect small amounts of residual local and metastatic disease. Additionally, a reexamination of past treatment regimens has led to new recommendations regarding the use of radioactive iodine, and to new therapeutic options, such as targeted therapy which have supplanted the use of more toxic chemotherapy for metastatic cancer. Multiple academic organizations have developed consensus guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer, occasionally with conflicting recommendations. In Thyroid Cancer, a renowned group of authors presents a broad overview of the pathology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of thyroid cancer, with an emphasis on recent evidence-based information. State-of-the-art and a significant contribution to the literature, Thyroid Cancer is an invaluable reference for endocrinologists, oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, radiation oncologists, primary care physicians, and surgeons who deal with head and neck cancer.

SocialBonding,aProductofEvolution: anIntroductiontotheVolume Mechanisms underlying reproductive and maternal functions or coping represent the initialstructuringforcebehindmanysocialbehaviors.Theyareaccompaniedbysel- tivehormonalenvironmentsaimedatfacilitatingor stabilizingthem.Sexandadrenal steroids are major players in the regulation of reproductive functions and coping challenges, but other hormones also participate in a variety of social behaviors (in particular,oxytocinandvasopressin,twophylogeneticallyveryoldmoietiesoriginally associated with maternal care and water balance) and are receiving increasing att- tion. Their role is highlighted in the present volume, which gathers contributions to theColloqueMedicineetRecherche"HormonesandSocialBehavior"organizedbythe FondationIPSENinDecember 2007. Whatisthekeytounderstandingtherationaleofhormonalsubstratesofbehavior? Evolution, of course. Higher manifestations of social behavior have evolved from - productivebehavior,characterizedbyErnstMayras"theleadingedgeofevolutionary change." As formulated by one contributor to thisvolume, however, "the evolutionary increase in neocortex seen in primates has induced a signi?cant emancipation of - havior from hormonal determinants, and in parallel, an increasing role for intelligent socialstrategies"(Keverne 2008). In so-called "lower" mammalian animals, many social behaviors are closely - pendent upon the olfactory system, a component of autonomous regulation of such importancethatitexpressesalargeproportionofallreceptorgenespresentinthebrain. Whenonelooksat"higher"mammalssuchasprimates,olfactorycontrolbecomesless stringent. Olfactory structures exhibit the same number of receptor genes, but a large number are transformed into non-coding "pseudogenes." In parallel, hormones i- tially targeted on physiological functions become increasingly associated with more diversi?edcognitivefunctions.

The mature T and NK cell lymphomas are rare, comprising approximately 10% of all malignant lymphomas. The incidence of T- cell lymphoma is variable around the world, with a higher incidence compared to B-cell lymphomas in the Asian basin. While the overall incidence of B-cell lymphomas has begun to decline in the United States, the incidence of T-cell lymphomas continues to rise. Over the last decade, a number of novel agents have been developed which target T-cell lymphomas and studies have identified novel genes and pathways associated with lymphomagenesis in T-cells. This comprehensive volume examines the clinical and biological aspects of the T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders in adults and children. The book includes an overview of both the cutaneous and the systemic T-cell malignancies and addresses the classification of T-cell lymphomas, the clinical features of each subtype, and the relevant molecular and genetic studies. Clinical outcomes and treatment strategies are discussed with an emphasis on the development of novel biological and targeted therapies. An outstanding resource for hematologists and oncologists, this book gathers insights from experts in the field and provides the most up-to-date information on all of the T-cell lymphoma subgroups and current and emerging therapies.