Neurogenesis, or the birth of new neuronal cells, was thought to occur only in developing organisms. However, recent research has demonstrated that neurogenesis does indeed continue into and throughout adult life. On going neurogenesis is thought to be an important mechanism underlying neuronal plasticity, enabling organisms to adapt to environmental changes and influencing learning and memory throughout life. A number of different factors that regulate neurogenesis have been identified. Physicial activity and environmental conditions have been known to affect proliferation and survival of neurons. Hormones have also been found to influence the rate of neurogenesis in vertebrates (e.g. testosterone) and invertebrates (eg: ecdysone). Serotonin is believed to play a key role in neurogenesis.

This compilation arises from contributions made to the seventh postgraduate course in paediatric neurology held in Pavia, Italy under the auspices of the Mariani Foundation in co-operation with the National Neurologic Institute of Milan. The course concentrated on three main areas: the impact of molecular biology and molecular genetics on aetiology, advances in our understanding pathogenesis, and finally therapy. The choice of the subject was suggested by the remarkable progress has been made in this field during the last decade, mostly due to the recent advances in genetics which now enable a new nosographic approach as well as different diagnostic strategies. Part of this work is dedicated to the rehabilitation of patients affected by neuromuscular diseases.

This practical book focuses on the most recent advances in natural cycle and minimal stimulation in vitro fertilization (IVF). The volume presents the steps that need to be followed to successfully perform these techniques and covers all aspects and competences involved. The book provides information on physiology of folliculogenesis, ovulation, oocytes and luteal phase and based on this information on clinical practice of stimulation, ovulation induction and inhibition, follicle aspiration and luteal phase support in natural cycle and minimal stimulation IVF. In addition costs, risks, success rates and several treatment protocols are provided. An overview of large European, Japanese and American programs and the discussion of clinical cases will complete the coverage of the topic. This practical and easy-to-use guide is a valuable resource for all clinicians performing any kind of IVF techniques.

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.

"Original, important, moving, witty and exquisitely-written. WHAT a feat." - BERNARDINE EVARISTO "Incredible... beautiful and funny and humane." - EMILIE PINE "Pristine poetry and prose." KATHERINE MAY, AUTHOR OF WINTERING "Babies who are this small, he says, have a good chance of survival. Small is not good for babies. It is not whimsical or cute or the cause of admiration. It is the first time it occurs to us that they might not survive. Babies die from smallness." Claire Lynch knew that having children with her wife would be complicated but she could never have anticipated the extent to which her life would be redrawn by the process. This dazzling debut begins with the smallest of life's substances, the microscopic cells subdividing in a petri dish in a fertility treatment centre. She moves through her story in incremental yet ever growing steps, from the fingernail-sized pregnancy test result screen which bears two affirmative lines to the premature arrival of her children who have to wear scale-model oxygen masks in their life-saving incubators. Devastatingly poignant and profoundly observant - and funny against the odds - Claire considers whether it is our smallness that makes our lives so big.

Obtaining good quality sperm for in-vitro fertilization, ICSI, or for cryopreservation can be a major problem if a man suffers from medical conditions that preclude normal collection. Major advances in sperm retrieval and preparation techniques have been witnessed in recent years, allowing a better understanding of the contribution of the sperm to a couple's fertility. This Manual is a complete guide to sperm retrieval methods performed for men with azoospermia. Covering all the basic and advanced steps for implementation of these procedures, the Manual includes descriptions of the underlying science along with detailed, practical advice on methods, including tips for optimizing outcomes and trouble-shooting, using an evidence-based approach. This will be an invaluable resource for andrologists, urologists, embryologists, male fertility specialists, gynecologists, and other healthcare workers practising reproductive medicine. It is particularly valuable for reproductive laboratory personnel wishing to refine or develop technique and improve outcomes, and for IVF Quality Managers.

Based on the gold standard procedures and protocols developed at Boston IVF, this new edition of a bestselling text continues to provide a structured approach to treating the infertile couple that can be of benefit to the gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, and reproductive medicine nurse alike. Both clinical and laboratory techniques are included, with material on preconception care. New to this edition are chapters on fertility care for the LGBT community, endometriosis, elective egg freezing, and effective nursing.

Although books exist on the evolution of aging, this is the first book written from the perspective of again as an adaptive program. It offers an insight into the implications of research on aging genetics, The author proposes the Demographic Theory of Senescence, whereby aging has been affirmatively selected because it levels the death rate over time helping stabilize population dynamics and prevent extinctions.

Highlighting latest advances in genetics and biochemistry, the completely revised Third Edition reviews the field from basic science, clinical, epidemiological, and regulatory perspectives. Contributions from top opinion leaders in the field bring together developments in molecular embryology and cell biology as they apply to problems in developmental toxicology. It covers testing of pharmaceutical and environmental agents and interpretation of developmental toxicology data, highlighting mathematical and statistical techniques, as well as the effects of toxic exposure on the functional development of various organs. The relationship between maternal and developmental toxicology is examined, in addition to current techniques for studying chemical disposition, metabolism, and placental transfer. Close attention is given to the regulatory aspects of testing and risk assessment. Pre- and postconceptional clinical care and genetic factors in clinical developmental toxicology are also discussed. Key topics include: the roles of apoptosis and signal transduction pathways in normal and abnormal development the role of epigenetic changes in development the role of nutrition and individual susceptibility the utility of bioinformatics global and targeted gene expression changes

Die Sexualgeschichte ist keine eigenstandige Disziplin, sondern Teilaspekt natur-, geistes- und sozialwissenschaftlicher Facher sowie haufiges Thema gesellschaftspolitischer Diskussionen. Florian G. Mildenberger zeigt historische Entwicklungen, gesellschaftliche Diskurse und Problemfelder von der Antike bis zur Gegenwart auf, beschreibt sie uberblicksartig und stellt weitere Literatur fur eigene Studien bereit. Der Autor: Dr. Florian G. Mildenberger ist Professor am Institut fur Geschichte der Medizin der Robert Bosch Stiftung in Stuttgart und forscht vorrangig zu Geschichte, Entstehung und Bedeutung heilkundlicher, sozialer und sexueller Subkulturen im 19./20. Jahrhundert.

A memoir of hope for the thousands of women struggling with infertility, from one who beat the odds by simply tuning in to her body and tapping her well of sheer determination.

At a time when more and more women are trying to get pregnant at increasingly advanced ages, fertility specialists and homeopathic researchers boast endless treatment options. But when Julia Indichova made the rounds of medical doctors and nontraditional healers, she was still unable to conceive a child. It was only when she forsook their financially and emotionally draining advice, turning inward instead, that she finally met with reproductive success. Inconceivable recounts this journey from hopeless diagnoses to elated motherhood.

Anyone who has faced infertility will relate to Julia’s desperate measures: acupuncture, unidentifiable black-and-white pellets, herb soup, foul-smelling fruit, even making love on red sheets. Five reproductive endocrinologists told her that there was no documented case of anyone in her hormonal condition getting pregnant, forcing her to finally embark on her own intuitive regimen. After eight caffeine-free, nutrient-rich, yoga-laden months, complemented by visualization exercises, Julia received amazing news; incredibly, she was pregnant. Nine months later she gave birth to a healthy girl.

Unlike the many infertility books that take a clinical “how to” approach, Inconceivable simply professes the wisdom of giving expert status back to the patient. Julia’s self-discovery, and her ability to see her body as an ally once again, yield a beautiful message about the importance of honoring the body’s innate powers, and the power of life itself.

Controversies about abortion and women's reproductive technologies often seem to reflect personal experience, religious commitment, or emotional response. Laura M. Purdy believes, however, that coherent ethical principles are implicit in these controversies and that feminist bioethics can help clarify the conflicts of interest which often figure in human reproduction. As she defines the underlying issues, Purdy emphasizes the importance of taking women's interests fully into account. Reproducing Persons first explores the rights and duties connected with conception and pregnancy. Purdy asks whether conceiving a child or taking a pregnancy to term can ever be morally wrong. She challenges the thinking of those who feel the prospect of disability or serious genetic disease should not constrain conception or justify abortion. The essays next look at abortion from a variety of angles. One contends that killing fetuses is not murder; others emphasize the moral importance of access to abortion. Purdy considers the conflicting interests of women and men regarding abortion, and argues against requiring a husband's consent. The book concludes with a consideration of new reproductive technologies and arrangements, including the controversial issue of surrogacy, or contract pregnancy. Throughout, Purdy combines traditional utilitarianism with some of the most powerful insights of contemporary feminist ethics. Her provocative essays create guidelines for approaching new topics and inspire fresh thinking about old ones.

Regulating Reproduction examines the social context and current state of the art of reproductive mediating technologies such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, surrogate motherhood, sex preselection, DNA probes, prenatal diagnosis, and sterilization. Robert H. Blank explores the impact of the technological revolution on our perceptions of children, parenthood, and the family. He discusses the impact of trends toward the commercialization of reproductive services as well as the inclusion of third parties into what until now has been a private matter between two persons.

First Published in 1989 this is a collection of essays based on a series of lectures given at a symposium held at the University of Southampton Medical School from eight experts in the field of growth failure. Interest in growth hormone, its regulation and its therapeutic use has grown enormously since the introduction of genetically engineered growth hormone in 1985. The very pratcial probelms of measuring growth, the physiology of growth failure and its epidemiology are followed by a richly illustrated chapter on the spectrum of diseases assciated with short stature and an expert with extensive experience in the field looks at the application of growth hormone therapy.

This new edition of a groundbreaking book is now in two volumes, on 'Fundamentals, Symptoms, and Conditions' on 'Reconstructive and Fertility Preserving Surgery and Procedures. From a distinguished editorial team and internationally recognized contributors the text educates surgeons on the techniques and procedures now needed in gynecology, with a special focus on reconstructive vaginal, hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, and laparotomic surgery, including that designed to preserve or enhance fertility. The reader can now more readily understand pathogenesis, appropriate investigation, and application of both surgical and nonsurgical strategies and techniques. The two volumes contain over 20 new chapters and in the integral ebook, over 140 instructional videos; each chapter has Key Points summarized.

This book provides a comprehensive overview for those interested in research and promoting sexual health in older people, as well as a "go-to" guide on the topic of sexual behaviour in older adults. Sexual activity is an essential part of intimate relationships, though it tends to decline in frequency as people grow older. Nevertheless, for many older people, sex still remains an important part of their life. There's a common misconception that as people age, they lose their interest in sex and capacity for sexual behaviour. This is not the case, as a number of national surveys show. The new research presented here indicates that the less sex older people have, the more likely they are to experience mental and physical health problems. Men and women who reported a decrease in the frequency of sexual activities were also more likely to report a deterioration in self-perceived health. Additionally, men with erectile dysfunction were also more likely to be diagnosed with cancer or coronary heart disease. This research has also determined that older adults who experience a decline in sexual activity report poorer well-being than those who maintain their levels of sexual desire, activity and function in later life, and that men who remain sexually active in later life continue to have better cognitive performance compared to those who don't. Despite these health benefits, medical professionals do little to promote sexual activity in older adults, and the literature suggests that there is a lack of knowledge on how to approach the subject and how to promote such activities. This is the first comprehensive book specifically exploring all areas of sexual behaviour and health in older adults, and drawing on the latest research in this area. It offers a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in various health fields (medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, public health, etc.), as well as students in undergraduate and graduate programs.