This volume presents a thought-provoking state-of-the-art picture of how volatile compounds are used in metabolomics, currently a hot topic in the metabolomics field. It provides a thorough description of what volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are, why they are important in biomedicine, and what the analytical platforms are used. It also looks at multivariate analysis and databases needs. Because VOCs are end-up compounds of metabolic processes, volatiles can be linked to different diseases or pathologies for both diagnosis and prognosis. The authors provide authoritative information and guidance on the analytical and statistical techniques used and how to identify, and they review the main current areas of application, which include breath metabolomics, cancer diagnosis, and microbial volatiles. Key Features: Presents a thorough overview of volatile research in biomedical applications Examines both gold standard techniques (metabolomics based) and artificial olfactory systems Reviews all aspects of volatile metabolites in biomedicine research, from origin to detection platforms Describes relevant diseases diagnosis and prognosis achievements, including cancer

This volume focuses on challenging field in biomedicine that is the genetic control of central immune tolerance. It covers the thymus development, their cellular components and their respective function, the peculiar gene expression profiling (transcriptome) found in the medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) that are implicated in the self-representation in the thymus, the Autoimmune regulator (Aire) gene, the mutations in this gene and manifestation of autoimmune diseases, and the role of cell-cell interactions within the thymus with implications in the negative selection (elimination) of nascent autoreactive T cells in preventing aggressive autoimmunity. The thymus gland is a lymphoid organ implicated in the maturation, differentiation and selection of T cells. This organ is gained more and more attention in different biomedical research labs worldwide due to its function that is associated with the control of immune homeostasis in the body, establishing the central immune tolerance and preventing the onset of autoimmune diseases.

The field of adipose tissue biology has been expanding at a very rapid pace in the last few years. Numerous advances have been made since publication of the first edition of this book, in terms of basic adipocyte biology, understanding of the determinants of obesity, distribution of body fat and weight loss, as well as the mechanisms linking excess adiposity to various co-morbidities. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition contains updated chapters from the previous volume but as the field has evolved, some areas covered in the first edition have been refocused to address the new knowledge. The volume is divided in four sections: the first two deal with basic adipose tissue and adipokine biology, while the last two address the problem of obesity and alterations in adipose tissue function from an epidemiological and clinical standpoint. The chapters are written by experts in their fields and include the most up to date scientific information. Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Health and Disease, Second Edition is a useful resource for physicians interested in adipose tissue biology and basic scientists who want to know more about applied aspects of the field. The book targets endocrinologists, residents and fellows, internists, nutritionists and general practitioners who are exposed to an ever-expanding obese population.

Inspired by Carlos Beyer's 50 years of pioneering research and influence on his students and colleagues, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology builds upon Beyer's fundamental discoveries and concepts as well as their widespread implications. It presents original research and reviews on mechanisms - genomic and non-genomic - of steroid and protein hormone action; the role of steroid metabolism, especially aromatization, protein phosphorylation, and neurotransmitter action in mediating reproductive behavior and sexual differentiation; and brain and spinal cord mechanisms in sexual behavior and analgesia. This book presents a rich diversity of topics - lactation, maternal behavior, pheromone action, chronobiology, allodynia, angiogenesis, prostate physiology, sexual motivation, and specific brain systems, including vomeronasal system, cerebellum, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. This book brings together, in one source, an international "family" of researchers whose work has evolved in diverse but related ways from a seminal set of discoveries and concepts in behavioral neuroendocrinology.

This book uniquely presents conceptual understanding as well as advancements in the field of endocrinology. It emphasizes the harmonization between the function and the structure of different endocrine glands in the body. The book's initial chapters introduce hormones' biological synthesis, structure, function, and signaling pathways. The subsequent chapters examine the functional relationship between hypothalamus and pituitary gland and its leading and regulating roles on other endocrine and non- endocrine organs. A separate chapter discusses the synergistic functions of adrenal glands and pineal gland in the circadian rhythm and analyze the role of corticoids in carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. Furthermore, the book addresses the role of growth hormones, prolactin, gonads regulating hormones, adrenocorticotropin, thyroid hormones, parathormone, gluco- and mineral corticoids, insulin and glucagon, Physiology of bone remodeling is presented with the role of parathyroid glands, C cells and vitamin D explaining the bone as an endocrine organ. The regulation of male and female reproductive functions is represented well. Lastly, the book reviews the novel endocrine role and metabolic aspects of adipose tissue as an endocrine tissue and its relationship to inflammatory diseases, insulin resistance and many metabolic disorders. The book introduces key parts for endocrine's stem cell in each gland is discussed in term of its survival, proliferation, migration, homing, differentiation and its regeneration and remodeling roles.

Recent research suggests that adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency, whether of pathological or physiological origin, is associated with a dis tinct syndrome that includes alterations in body composition, endocrine metabolic function, immune competence, and physical and psychosocial well-being. Not surprisingly, substantial investigative effort is currently focused on validating the above hypothesis and on determining whether restoration of a normal GH-IGF-I axis in various states of adult GH deficiency is clinically useful, safe, and cost-beneficial. This book contains the proceedings from the Symposium on GHRH, GH, and IGF-I: Basic and Clinical Advances, held December 9 to 12, 1993, in San Diego, California, and sponsored by Serono Symposia USA, Inc. The conference was meant to highlight selected novel and exciting clinical research developments related to possible therapeutic uses of recombinant human GH and IGF-I, GHRH, GH releasing peptides, and related GH secretagogues. This meeting occurred only one year after a similar Serono symposium that was somewhat more oriented to novel basic science discoveries, thus attesting to the current scientific and clinical interest in this area."

Highly Commended, BMA Medical Book Awards 2013 Sarcoidosis represents a major challenge for physicians-not just in respiratory medicine, but across a range of specialties. This book, with a multidisciplinary authorship of the highest standard, presents the most up-to-date thinking on all aspects of the condition, from epidemiology to clinical manifestations and treatment options. Full coverage is given to both respiratory and non-respiratory aspects. The basic science that underlies the disease and its progression is evaluated in detail, and placed into its correct clinical context. Possible future advances are covered in a concluding section. The editors-all leading figures in the field with international reputations-have compiled the definitive work on the subject in a single volume. The book is fully comprehensive and evidence based and will be an essential addition to the bookshelves of all whose practice involves the care and treatment of patients with sarcoidosis.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), their binding proteins and their receptors play important roles in regulating growth, metabolism, proliferation and survival for many cells and tissues throughout lifespan in humans and other species. Circulating IGF1 is known to be an endocrine regulator, with metabolic effects related to, and partly convergent with, insulin signalling. IGF1 also mediates many of the growth promoting effects of GH, and there is an ongoing debate as to the relative contributions of endocrine-, vs locally-derived IGF1 for systemic growth. More recently however, it has become clear that IGFs may be key local growth and cellular survival factors for many different tissues, active from early in embryonic development, essential for normal maturation and growth during foetal life. IGFs continue to play important roles throughout adult life in many diverse processes such as tissue repair, cellular proliferation, tissue remodelling and metabolic regulation. IGF systems are tightly regulated; orderly control of cellular repair and metabolism is central to healthy ageing, whilst uncontrolled proliferation can lead to cancer.

Pineal Gland Regulation: Expression of Neurotransmitter Receptor Subtypes and Subunits in the Mammalian Pineal Gland; M. Moller, et al. Transcription Factor Icer and Regulation of Rat Photoneuroendocrine System; J.H. Stehle. Intracellular Actions of Melatonin with a Summary of Its Interactions with Reactive Oxygen Species; R.J. Reiter. Melatonin Receptors: Brain Melatonin Receptors: Distribution and Physiological Significance; B. Stankov, F. Fraschini. Localization and Physiological Role of Melatonin Receptors in the Visual and Circadian Systems; M.L. Dubocovick, et al. Melatonin Receptors in Brain and Peripheral Arteries; M. Viswanathan, et al. Melatonin in the Circadian System: The Role of the Circadian System in Photoperiodic Time Measurement in Mammals; M.H. Hastings, et al. Melatonin and the Vertebrate Circadian System: Pharmacological Effects; J.R. Redman. Melatonin Analogs: New Molecules Active at the Melatonin Receptor Level; F. Fraschini, B. Stankov. Development of Melatonin Analogs; P. Delagrange, et al. Melatonin in Humans: Significance of Melatonin in Humans; J. Arendt. The Influence of Melatonin on the Human Circadian Clock; A.J. Lewy, et al. 8 additional articles. Index.

Examines endocrine toxicologya (TM)s increased importance in environmental safety issues due to legislative directives established over the past ten years.

With contributions by international experts in academia, chemical manufacturing, government research laboratories, regulatory agencies, and private consulting, this guide explores the potentially damaging influence of environmental agents on the endocrine system.

Covering all principal areas of EPA concern, Endocrine Toxicology, Third Edition provides:

• putative endocrine disruptors and mechanisms of endocrine toxicity
• the history and status of the regulatory process
• mechanisms of toxic effects in various hormonal systems
• comparisons of the endocrine responses in humans, livestock, and wildlife
• testing methods in mammalian, fish, avian, and amphibian models
• valuable insight into the approaches of various personnel in the field, including: government officials who make and oversee policy; scientists in charge of development and validation of testing methods; basic researchers who identify toxic mechanisms; and manufacturers responsible for environmentally benign product certification

New Techniques for Studying Biomembranes describes some of the latest methods used to investigate the dynamic distribution of specific lipids in membranes and their effects on other membrane components. The contributors present important discoveries with respect to lipid analysis and lipid interactions with membrane proteins. Various methods, which have been used to study lipid bilayer structure and lipid organization in membranes, include both in vitro and in vivo membrane systems, and study membrane proteins in various membrane systems. Key Features: Reviews both in vivo and in vitro analytical technologies and methods for studying membrane structure and function Explores how lipid bilayers and membrane proteins interact Includes contributions from an international team of researchers actively studying membrane structure and function Identifies various diseases whose causes are related to membrane proteins Related Titles: Christopher R. Jacobs, Hayden Huang, and Ronald Y. Kwon. Introduction to Cell Mechanics and Mechanobiology (ISBN 978-0-8153-4425-4) Wendell Lim and Bruce Mayer. Cell Signaling: Principles and Mechanisms (ISBN 978-0-8153-4244-1) Stephen Rothman. Proteins Crossing Membranes: A Scientist's Memoir (978-0-3670-7449-4)

Endocrine Replacement Therapy in Clinical Practice, an update of Hormone Repla- ment Therapy published by Humana Press in 1999, aims to assist the endocrinologist, gynecologist, pediatrician, urologist, general surgeon, neurologist, neurosurgeon, p- chiatrist, generalist, and trainee in management of their patients with hormonal defici- cies or altered hormonal synthesis or responses. Many new authors have added several new chapters, and all of the previous chapters have been updated. Endocrine testing used to diagnose endocrine disorders and monitor hormone replacement therapy is reviewed. However, detailed discussion of physiology and pathophysiology is not an aim of this book, and these topics are covered in other volumes on endocrinology. Although no one is considered an expert in all areas of endocrine replacement therapy, each of the authors here have extensive knowledge and experience in the management of patients with s- cific endocrine disorders requiring hormone replacement treatment. Although some differences of opinion exist among experts in replacement therapy, each writer has attempted to give a balanced, unbiased recommendation. When com- rable regimens exist, the authors have made this apparent to the reader who can then choose the best treatment for the individual patient. Cost, therapeutic effectiveness, and route of administration are all important considerations in making the final selection of replacement therapy.

A benchmark review on how specific nutrients or adverse nutritional states impact the components of the IGF (Insulin-like Growth Factor) system and affect human health and disease. The authors describe the fundamentals of the IGF system, explain its basic mechanisms of action, illuminate its essential role in physical development across the life span, and highlight the link between normal and abnormal cellular growth resulting in tumor formation. They also fully examine the clinical aspects of nutrition and IGF, from pre- and postnatal development through old age, in the maintenance of normal metabolism, bone, and muscle health, and their role in pathological states. Special attention is given to critical illness, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, kidney failure, endocrine dysfunctions, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and cancer, as well as to their potential for IGF therapy.

A handbook for how we can use the power of our hormones to master any stage of life. Joint pain, weight gain, migraines, acne, sleepless nights, loss of libido - all of these and more can be caused by hormone imbalances. Our health is impacted by our hormones all the way through our lives. So why do we often assume they're mainly 'a menopause thing', and wait until hot flushes arrive before we take them seriously? The truth is that many women find that their hormone-related symptoms aren't acknowledged, despite the impact they can have, years before menopause hits, on almost every aspect of their lives. With advances in medical science, however, effective new treatment options are available, including modern hormone replacement therapy (HRT), diet, and exercise. So why don't more of us know that help is at hand? Why are we still being told that we have to put up with these conditions? Our Hormones, Our Health is written by two doctors who draw on their experience as practitioners, and as women. With the aid of pioneering research from epigenetics, stress medicine, nutritional medicine, and modern HRT, they show us how women can live with health and happiness - no matter what their age.

Focusing on prevention rather than treatment, Obesity: Dietary and Developmental Influences reviews and evaluates the determinants of obesity. The book uses evidence-based research as a basis to define foods and dietary behaviors that should be supported and encouraged as well as those that should be discouraged. This comprehensive review represents a critical step forward in the quest to identify actionable strategies to prevent obesity. The book describes the potential role of 26 different dietary factors and 8 developmental periods in the prevention of obesity among children and adults. The dietary factors examined include macronutrients, micronutrients, specific types of foods and beverages, snack and meal patterns, portion size, parenting practices, breastfeeding, and more. The factors from each developmental period in the life cycle are examined in the context of the likelihood of obesity development. For each dietary factor and developmental period, four lines of evidence are examined: secular trends, plausible mechanisms, observational studies, and prevention trials. Providing easy access to information, the book features 38 tables that summarize observational studies, 38 graphs depicting trends in dietary intake, and 9 tables that summarize prevention trials. It provides a synopsis of the latest research on obesity, investigating all major lines of evidence, and clarifies common misconceptions while identifying which behaviors to target and which dietary factors show the most promise for prevention.

Currently, there are a limited amount of guidelines to help clinicians manage patients with obesity and comorbid mental disorders. This expertly written source fills the gap in the literature by providing a clear overview of obesity and its relationship to mental illness while reviewing the most recent methods to manage and control the condition with diet, exercise, psychological treatments, pharmacotherapy, and surgery.

This book reviews the pathophysiology and physical manifestations of acromegaly and discusses the multiple treatment options now available for the management of the patient with acromegaly. The book contains an ample number of illustrations that help to emphasize points of particular interest, including radiological, histopathological, and physical diagnosis images. Sections are devoted to detailing important topics including determinants of pathological effects of disease activity in acromegaly, individual therapeutic choices and criteria for diagnosis, and disease control.

Primarily intended for physicians and health care professionals who are treating obese patients, this book explores current and future options for drug treatment of obesity puts them into perspective against available alternative treatments. Distinguished scientists and clinical investigators provide reviews of each individual topic, covering a wide range of subjects from pathophysiology of obesity to the benefits of weight loss. The core sections on pharmacotherapy deal with currently available drugs and drugs in pre-clinical development, complemented with sections on non-drug treatment and general therapeutic aspects to provide an integrated view of therapeutic approaches to the treatment of obesity and its associated syndromes.

Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment, Second Edition summarizes the latest scientific knowledge on obesity in children. This edition focuses on the developmental aspects of obesity, especially on the influences and factors predisposing individuals to obesity from early periods of life. This new body of knowledge stems from both basic research and recent epidemiological and clinical studies. All chapters are updated and special attention is given to the prevention of obesity in the context of developmental physiology, lifestyle modification, and dietary and physical activity approaches. Highlighting the most recent research, this timely book covers a broad range of aspects related to the prevention and management of childhood obesity. It emphasizes early intervention and an integrated behavioral approach to overcome the ongoing challenge of this global epidemic. Features * Updates all chapters and includes new research on growing populations of obesity in the Third World * Provides information on promoting health as a means to reduce obesity * Focuses on the developmental aspects of obesity

Integrative Weight Management: A Guide for Clinicians intends to educate physicians and nutritionists about the wide ranges of approaches to weight control from non-traditional sources. The options for weight management in conventional practices are limited to a small number of medications, a confusing array of dietary approaches and surgical procedures with their inherent risks and complications. Unfortunately medical practitioners are not exposed to nutrition and weight control principles during training and thus are reluctant to manage their patients weight control issues. This volume is structured into 4 sections: Introduction to Weight Management Disorders; Morbidity and Mortality of Obesity; Therapy of Obesity; and Integrative Medicine and Obesity. Integrative Weight Management: A Guide for Clinicians represents a powerful collaboration of dozens of leading experts in the fields of nutrition, weight management and integrative medicine who have managed countless numbers of patients and summarized the research from thousands of articles to create an up-to- date state of the art guide for healthcare practitioners, allied health professionals and public health authorities who manage those who are overweight/obese along with the associated metabolic consequences.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of medullary thyroid carcinoma, both in the more common sporadic form and in the familial form, multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 2A and 2B. The coverage includes, but is not limited to, molecular biology and genetics, pathology, clinical presentation, imaging techniques, surgical treatment, and follow-up. The role of calcitonin as a highly sensitive and specific tumor marker for the screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of MTC and metastatic disease is described, and the significance of other tumor markers is also considered. With regard to treatment, the use of thyroidectomy is fully discussed, including in children carrying the mutations in the RET proto-oncogene considered causative for MEN 2. Additionally, the value of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as the most effective treatment modality in patients with a large tumor burden or rapid tumor growth, or both, is explained. Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 will be an ideal source of up-to-date information for a wide range of practitioners, including endocrinologists, oncologists, internal medicine specialists, geneticists, and nuclear medicine physicians.

It is an authentic privilege to have the opportunity to assemble and edit a new volume on "Prolactin," the first in several decades to be devoted to this fascinating hormone in all its aspects. The obvious clinical rationale for understanding prolactin (PRL) is the frequent occurrence of prolactinomas, the most common type of pituitary tumor. Fortunately, medical management of prolactinomas can be based on our under standing of the physiology of hypothalamic control of the lactotroph. Armed with this knowledge, therapies for proiactinomas are highly successful and well tolerated. Be cause of the historical and practical importance of knowledge regarding the hypothala mus-Iactotroph axis, the first chapters of this volume are dedicated to reviewing the physiology, development, and cell biology of lactotroph regulation. Chapters focusing on prolactinomas and related clinical issues follow these. PRL is the primary hormone that is responsible for "parental care" in many verte brate species. This reproductive strategy is not unique to mammals, but it has devel oped through evolution to be the central distinguishing feature of the mammalian life cycle. Among the mammals, mice have become the most effective research species in recent years. This can be traced to the development of a wide range of methods for manipulating mouse genetics, and thereby influencing development, physiology and behavior. Mice also provide a profound illustration of the physiological challenges faced in maternity. Female mice undergo a post-partum estrous, and often are both pregnant and lactating simultaneously."

Hormones as Tokens of Selection addresses deep questions in biology: How are biological systems controlled? How can one formulate general theories of homeostasis and control and instantiate such theories in mathematical models? How can one use evolutionary arguments to guide our answers to these questions, recognising that the control mechanisms themselves are a product of evolution? Biological systems are exceptionally varied and extremely difficult to understand, because they are complex and experimentation remains limited relative to the challenges at hand. Moreover, biological phenomena occur at a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Such a deeply convoluted subject calls for a unifying and coherent theoretical foundation - one which recognises and departs from the primary importance of mathematical modelling and key physicochemical principles to theory formation in the life sciences. This Focus monograph proposes and outlines such a foundation, departing from the deceptively simple proposition that hormones are tokens of evolutionary pressures. Features Provides a coherent and unified approach to a multifaceted problem Pays close attention to both the biological and mathematical modelling aspects of the subject matter, exploring the philosophical background where appropriate Written in a concise and innovative style

This book focuses expressly on model organisms for lymphoma, the in-depth coverage provided has been edited by an acknowledged academic authority on the topic. The material details every factor informing judgments on prognosis.