The goal of this work was the development of a biomechanical model of the human eye. The research work SEE-KID (Software Engineering Environment for Knowledge based Interactive Eye motility Diagnostics), described in this work, tries to connect aspects of biomechanical modelling with methods of modern Software Engineering. An interactive software system was implemented, called SEE++ which allows physicians to obtain a better understanding of the mechanics of eye movements. This software visualizes and simulates pathologies and eye muscle surgeries, based on the biomechanics of the eye. It can be used in preoperative planning, medical training and basic research, and shows how Medical-Informatics can improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The project SEE-KID is based also on the software system Orbit (www.eidactics.com) and on other biomechanics software. The SEE-KID project and the SEE++ software system are meant as extension to Orbit with more clinical relevance while providing essential functionality similar to what Orbit offered. Additionally, SEE-KID tries to extend existing functionality and combine different aspects of modelling into one single system.

Say "biological clock" and most people think "women." Yet men have biological clocks too, reveals Dr. Harry Fisch, one of the country's leading experts in male infertility and author of this groundbreaking new book, "The Male Biological Clock." Men's clocks tick at a different rate from women's and of course cause an entirely different set of bodily and behavioral changes over the course of a lifetime. But while men's clocks don't strike a "midnight" toll heralding an end to fertility the way menopause does for women, male fertility, testosterone levels, and sexuality all do decline with age. Dr. Fisch's book emphasizes that even young men can have testosterone levels as low as those of much older men, leading to infertility, sexual problems, and other serious health issues. Another startling revelation is that men over thirty-five are twice as likely to be infertile as men younger than twenty-five. In addition, as men age, the quality of their sperm declines significantly, giving rise to an increased chance of a Down syndrome baby, other genetic abnormalities, and miscarriage. Every couple should know all the risks and issues facing men, because these affect two of the most important things in their life: their ability to have children and their capacity to have good sex.

"The Male Biological Clock" is must reading for every man and every couple who is struggling to have children or improve their sex life. Many of Dr. Harry Fisch's findings are startling -- beginning with the fact that infertility is not mostly a women's problem -- and he offers many helpful suggestions for how to deal with declining testosterone, changing sexual needs, and the fertility industry.

We have allheard stories of men becoming fathers in their seventies or even eighties, yet most of us are unaware that these are dangerously deceptive exceptions. Older men face a number of increased risks as fathers, and often find their sex lives and well-being changing considerably. The good news: Much can be done to slow down and even reverse the effects of a man's biological clock. "The Male Biological Clock" tells you what you need to know and how you can achieve optimal fertility and sexuality.

Significant advances have been made in treatment strategies in adult and adolescent women's health over the past decade, particularly in relation to reproductive control. The Oxford Handbook of Reproductive Medicine & Family Planning provides practical, evidence-based information on the care and management of adolescents, reproductive age females, and to a lesser extent males. Divided into three main sections, it follows chronological age up to the menopause covering areas such as the embryological development of the reproductive system; puberty and the normal course, and dysfunctions associated with it; dysfunctions of the normal menstrual cycle; the different types of male and female contraceptive methods, and the investigation and management of the infertile couple. This is an essential resource for all practitioners, trainees and students in reproductive medicine.

Entirely revised and updated and with a foreword by John Guillebaud, this is the much anticipated new edition of an invaluable, practical guide which has become an established reference for all those working in reproductive health. As in the previous edition, all forms of contraceptives are covered in detail, with guidance on prescribing, possible complications and advantages/disadvantages. The book continues to provide evidence-based clinical guidance for family-planning providers. Since the last edition was published, family planning and reproductive health has become much more closely linked with genito-urinary (GU) medicine.Reflecting this, the specialty has become known as sexual and reproductive healthcare. Among the many developments since the last edition are new types of progestogen-only pill and a profusion of new strategies and guidelines. This fifth edition is a complete update on developments in the field, integrating the new contraceptives, strategies and guidelines within family planning and reproductive healthcare.

Combining attention to lived experience with the critical tools of ethics, Karey Harwood explores why many women who use the tools of high-tech assisted reproduction tend to use them repeatedly, even when the results are unsuccessful. With a compassionate look at the individual decision making behind the desire to become pregnant and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), Harwood extends the public conversation beyond debates about individual choice by considering the experiences of families and by addressing the broader ethical problems presented by these technologies. Incorporating the personal narratives of women who are members of RESOLVE, the nation's leading organization for people who are infertile, Harwood demonstrates that repeated unsuccessful attempts to use ART may ironically help women come to terms with their infertility. Yet ART is problematic for a number of reasons, including the financial, physical, and emotional costs for women and their families as well as the effects of these technologies on the health and well-being of the children conceived. Issues such as consumerism, workplace norms that encourage delayed childbearing, and narrow definitions of family all come into play. By considering both emotional and ethical dimensions, Harwood offers a humanistic account of infertility and its resolution in a twenty-first-century American context.

Remaking Eden is a fascinating exploration of the future of reprogenetic technologies - a cautiously optimistic look at the scientific advances that will allow us to engineer life in ways that were unimaginable just a few short years ago. Indeed, in ways that go far beyond cloning, and that are at once more thrilling and more frightening. Could a woman give birth to her identical twin sister? Could a child have two genetic mothers? Could a man become pregnant? Could parents choose not only the physical characteristics of their children-to-be, but personalities and talents as well? Will genetic enhancement ultimately change the very nature of our species? The answers will excite some and alarm others. Silver demystifies the science involved in all these possibilities, calmly and efficiently dismantling our preconceptions and misconceptions. Throughout, he examines the profound ethical questions raised by these new technologies. Yet he reminds us that the desire both to have children and to provide them with all possible advantages in life is a uniquely powerful force - a force, he suggests, that will overcome all political and societal attempts to curb the use of reprogenetics.

New medical technology as reported in Preventing Miscarriage; The Good News pinpoints the causes and latest treatments available to prevent loss of pregnancy. This book presents a great deal of information in a sensitive, accessible and thorough manner. Illustrations.

Personalized medicine is what this book is about-tailoring your lifestyle, food, medicines, treatments, and reproductive choices to your genetic signature. According to Dr. Andrew Y. Silverman, MD, PhD, 'The desire to influence the sex of the next child is probably as old as recorded history."

'Gender selection is possible because of the way in which sex is determined by our chromosomes. Dr. Ericsson devised patented methods by which X and Y sperm can be separated through filtering processes. Sperm are 'layered" over a column of human serum albumin, and they swim down the gradient where they are collected in the bottom layer.

'The fraction of sperm that contains the male (Y) bearing sperm is used for insemination if a boy is desired. It is effective 70-75% of the time.

'The fraction of sperm that contains the female (X) bearing sperm is used for insemination if a girl is desired. It is effective 70-72% of the time."

Use personalized medicine more effectively. Empower consumers by interpreting DNA testing and learning more about infant gender choice by genetics.

"Junaelo Institute Infertility Manual" provides comprehensive infertility information in an easily understood format. It describes the causes of infertility and how they are managed. Couples who have difficulty conceiving will learn how to decide on when to see a physician and what to expect from infertility investigations and treatments. "Junaelo Institute Infertility Manual" helps everyone become more informed partners in the process that is aimed at helping them become pregnant.

Dr. Godwin Meniru is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Medical Director of Junaelo Institute of Reproductive Medicine. His other three books, "A Handbook of Intrauterine Insemination" (ISBN 0 521 58676 3), "Cambridge Guide to Infertility Management and Assisted Reproduction" (ISBN 0 521 01071 3), and "Prevention of Infertility and Complications in Women" (Soft Cover ISBN 0 595 25722 4; Hard Cover ISBN 0 595 65282 4), have received critical acclaim. Dr. Meniru has authored or co-authored more than 120 scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters. Also, visit the Institute's web site at www.JunaeloReproductiveMedicine.com for additional infertility resources.

Intended as a tool for use by public health officials, research and regulatory scientists and risk managers, this publication seeks to provide a scientific framework for the use and interpretation of reproductive toxicity data from human and animal studies. It also discusses emerging methodology and testing strategy in reproductive toxicity. The text focuses on approaches to assessing reproductive toxicity in males and females, including sexual dysfunction and infertility, and many aspects of developmental toxicity (following both prenatal and postnatal exposure), from conception to sexual maturation. It is an overview of the major scientific principles underlying hazard identification, testing methods and risk assessment strategies in human reproductive toxicity. It also discusses the evaluation of reproductive toxicity data in the context of the extensive risk assessment methodology that has emerged over the past 10-15 years.

Infertility can have devastating physical, emotional and financial effects on people affected. It is a common problem, but can be hard to talk about, and hard to understand. In this concise book, Dr Kovacs, a reproductive gynaecologist who has spent the past 40 years working with patients facing fertility problems, focuses on and unpicks key misconceptions. In his clear explanations, he covers the basic physiology of conceiving, and describes the areas that have to be explored for those who have not yet been able to conceive. Specific chapters cover the three major problem areas: lack of releasing eggs, sperm problems, and abnormalities of the female passages. Treatment options are discussed for each of these areas, including technical details and a brief readable overview of their history. The many ways of parenting which are now available are also detailed. This is a recommended read for couples wanting to conceive, their friends and families, and anyone who wants to understand fertility.

This Medical thriller opens with the birth of a severely disfigured child the details the history of the main characters starting from their meeting at one of the most historic footraces in the world - The Dipsea Race. Their courtship begins with conflict but grows into one that will inspire readers to achieve in their own relationships. The novel encompasses three decades and dramatically unfolds after a seemingly small error occurs in a frozen sperm sample. As we embark on the 21st century sometimes ethical issues lag behind the swift pace of medical technology. Readers will grasp the premise of Frozen Identity and enjoy the ride. The main characters are competitive athletes, adding texture, drama and a common bond held by all who strive for physical accomplishment

This pioneering text formally introduces an all-inclusive approach to preventive health care that is targeted at female factor associated infertility. All female factor problems and related issues are examined critically. This is followed by the proposal of preventive strategies that are based on the three tiers of preventive health care (primary, secondary and tertiary prevention). This exceptional book is currently the only available comprehensive text on the subject. It is an invaluable resource guide for a wide range of medical, health and allied professionals. You will find:

The author of this book has a vast experience of teaching Medical and Midwifery students both in Tanzania and abroad. He has also worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in public hospitals both in Tanzania and abroad. This book is a testimony of the vast experience of the author. This book describes the management of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum as well as care of the newborn. The book gives useful guidlines in the management of normal as well as 'High risk' women during this critical period of their lives. The book has been written in a style which makes it easy to read and understand. It is a book that medical/midwifery students and the practitioners working in health centres will find useful.

YES, YOU PROBABLY CAN GET PREGNANT
...and the really good news is that most of you can conceive naturally, without expensive high-tech intervention. The six-step mind/body fertility enhancement program from Harvard Medical School could give you the answer.

• How can I relax when I'm worried sick about getting pregnant?
  
• Can antidepressants affect my fertility?
  
• Is there some medicine I can take to increase my sperm production?
  
• Does being a vegetarian increase or decrease my chances of conception?

Start to help yourself by learning the newest information on how simple lifestyle changes affect fertility.

Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor!

If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.

Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively.

While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

Chronicling the shifts in public attitudes towards reproduction, this book traces attitudes from colonial times to the 1990s. In colonial days barrenness was associated with sin, from here the progression is traced to the laws of compulsory sterilization in the early twentieth century, the baby craze of the 1950s, the rise in voluntary childlessness in the 1990s, and the increasing reliance on reproductive technologies. The author reveals the intersection between public life and the most private part of life - sexuality, procreation, and the family.

..". extremely valuable. This book] addresses exactly the right questions in a balanced, nuanced way." Journal of the American Medical Association

"Cohen s book is a major contribution to the literature of the inevitable." Medical Humanities Review

"This book provides readers with an insightful overview of the practice of oocyte donation, the broader issues raised by this innovative yet problematic technology and, given the recommendations of NABER, how these issues mights be resolved.... Well written, structured, researched, and thought-provoking, this book makes a timely, important, and worthwhile contribution to the growing body of reproductive technology scholarship." Doody s Health Sciences Book Review Home Page

"Detailed notes; extensive references; comprehensive research... Recommended..." Choice

Leading scholars investigate the difficult ethical, legal, and policy issues that surround egg donation and the new reproductive technologies as a whole. In addition, the book describes procedures at four egg-donation centers and presents a new set of guidelines from the National Advisory Board on Ethics in Reproduction."

"I still cannot believe the contrasts between the two births. Every day was filled with relief and joy that the terrible unhappy time before had not come back...I now feel cheated of the closeness and happiness I could have enjoyed with my first baby."--From a letter written by a woman given progesterone therapy before the birth of her second child.
It is estimated that eight out of ten mothers go through a period of post-baby blues' and that one in ten suffer from a more serious form of postnatal depression. It is never easy for the mother or for her family and friends to understand exactly what is happening, and to distinguish between the relatively mild blues' and the more severe cases of depression. In this book Katharina Dalton, an international authority on premenstrual syndrome and postnatal depression and pioneer of hormone therapy, describes the whole spectrum of symptoms, discusses the social and psychological as well as the hormonal factors, and shows how this debilitating and sometimes deadly disease can not only be treated but also prevented. This book is designed to serve the information needs of women who have suffered or are suffering from postnatal depression, their families and friends, and can also be valuable for physicians, midwives, health visitors, community psychiatric nurses, obstetricians, and psychiatrists.

There is a forgotten history to our current debates over reproductive technology - one interweaving literature and science, profoundly gendered, filled with choices and struggles. We pay a price when we accept modern reproductive technology as a scientific breakthrough without a past. Babies in Bottles retrieves some of that history by analyzing the literary and popular science writings of Julian Huxley, J.B.S. Haldane, Charlotte Haldane, Aldous Huxley, and Naomi Mitchison - writings that include representations of reproductive technology from babies in bottles to surrogate mothers. It is to these images, fantasies, practices, and narratives of scientific intervention in reproduction that we must look if we want to understand what acts of ideological construction have been carried out, and are currently being performed, in the name of reproductive technology. Susan Merrill Squier shows how the imaginative construction of reproductive technology helps to shape our contemporary practices. Susan Merrill Squier is Julia Gregg Brill Professor in Women's Studies and English at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park. She is the author of Virginia Woolf and London: The Sexual Politics of the City, editor of Women Writers and the City: Essays in Feminist Literary Criticism, and co-editor of Arms and the Woman: War, Gender, and Literary Representation.

A Guide for Women and Those Who Love Them
Revised Edition

The most up-to-date and authoritative guide for women on the change of life. Includes the latest information on hormone replacement therapy; cancer and heart disease; sexuality in the menopausal years; nutrition; exercise; and much more.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the changes, in lifestyle as well as in body, that menopause brings. When the first edition of the book was published in 1983, reviewers hailed it as the most authoritative and accessible bolume ever written on menopause and the general health and well-being of menopausal women.

Now in paperback for the first time, the completely updated Revised Edition includes several new chapters exploring such crucial women's health topics as the importance of good nutrition and exercise, overcoming smoking and obesity, and improving cardiovascular health. Information on the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as advice for women who cannot take hormones, is included, as is advice on osteoporosis and on when surgery such as hysterectomy is and is not warranted. Throughout the book, in their own candid words, menopausal women relate their experiences going through this transition. Menopause is a guide to living a long, health life and understanding the natural course of the female body.

"Extraordinary depth of information that is beautifully easy to read. A necessity for every health care provider or woman who is approaching menopause."—Isaac Schiff, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Harvard Medical School

"Provides readable information and anticipates many of the questions that a woman might ask or should ask . . . Practical and useful, it is a wonderful book."—Florence P. Haseltine, M.D., National Institutes of Health

Written by experts in their respective fields, this book reviews the expanding knowledge concerning the mechanisms regulating male reproduction at the molecular and cellular levels. It covers the development of the testes and regulatory controls for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and it considers aspects of Sertoli cell function. Areas of emphasis include communication between the various cell types involved in reproduction by hormone and growth factors and the mechanisms by which these factors regulate gene expression. A number of mammalian systems, including humans, are covered. The carefully selected authors provide a clear synopsis of the concepts in each area as well as the latest references, enabling the reader to investigate the topic further. This book is of interest to those seeking an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in male reproduction and is written for the graduate and postgraduate levels.
Key Features
* Provides up-to-date reviews of the molecular and cellular biology of male reproduction
* Includes chapters on the developmental biology of the testes
* Links conventional hormonal control of testicular function with the evolving role of growth factors and proto-oncogenes

This book describes the principles and skills of counselling. It provides practical guidelines which show, by example, how to communicate effectively, how to offer counselling and support, and how to face and deal with difficult situations. Detailed attention is given to issues such as preparing women for surgery, breaking bad news, and providing information and support before, during and after childbirth. The book aims to increase the awareness of health workers by describing a broad range on women's experiences and reactions to their particular problems and health concerns, as well as the ways in which these are treated.