This book sheds new light on the physiology, molecular biology and pathophysiology of epithelial ion channels and transporters. It combines the basic cellular models and functions by means of a compelling clinical perspective, addressing aspects from the laboratory bench to the bedside. The individual chapters, written by leading scientists and clinicians, explore specific ion channels and transporters located in the epithelial tissues of the kidney, intestine, pancreas and respiratory tract, all of which play a crucial part in maintaining homeostasis. Further topics include the fundamentals of epithelial transport; mathematical modeling of ion transport; cell volume regulation; membrane protein folding and trafficking; transepithelial transport functions; and lastly, a discussion of transport proteins as potential pharmacological targets with a focus on the pharmacology of potassium channels.

The authors aim to provide essential information on various clinical cases on urological cancers. The main messages are well referenced and the texts phrasing is written in a simple and user-friendly style. The book also contains summarizing tables and high quality original pictures. Several expert panels (American Urologists Association, European Association of Urologists, Association Francaise des Urologues, etc) are proposing guidelines aiming at providing detailed recommendations to the Urologists facing difficult urological scenarios and no significant discordance exist between them since they are all based on the existing published studies dealing with different aspects of the urological cancers.

Prostate brachytherapy has been the subject of heated debate among surgeons and the proponents of the various brachytherapy methods. This very first interdisciplinary book on the subject provides a comprehensive overview of innovations in low dose rate (LDR), high dose rate (HDR), and pulsed dose rate (PDR) interstitial brachytherapy for the management of local or locally advanced prostate cancer. In addition to detailed chapters on patient selection and the use of imaging in diagnostics, treatment guidance, and implantation control, background chapters are included on related medical physics issues such as treatment planning and quality assurance. The results obtained with the different treatment options and the difficult task of salvage treatment are fully discussed. All chapters have been written by internationally recognized experts who for more than a decade have formed the teaching staff responsible for the successful GEC-ESTRO/EAU Prostate Brachytherapy Teaching Course.

Clinical Reproductive Medicine and Surgery offers a succinct overview of both the medical and surgical management of reproductive disorders, as well as coverage of associated imaging modalities. The book includes chapters on major reproductive endocrinology and infertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome and amenorrhea, management of endometriosis and fibroids (including interventional radiology), imaging modalities such as ultrasonography and sonohysterography, preservation of fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Residents, fellows, and practitioners interested in reproductive endocrinology and infertility will find this focused and practical text invaluable.

This book aims to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of male stress urinary incontinence that will serve as a useful tool and reference for urologists, andrologists, physiotherapists, general practitioners, and nurses. Detailed information is provided on diagnostic workup, including clinical assessment and the role of urodynamic evaluations and other instrumental examinations, and on the full range of potential treatments, from conservative and pharmacological interventions to surgical options. In addition to careful descriptions of the surgical procedures themselves, clear advice is given on the management of iatrogenic complications of incontinence surgery. Helpful treatment algorithms and recommendations offer further practical support. Relevant background knowledge is provided in expert reviews of topics such as the functional anatomy of the male pelvis and the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and classification of male urinary incontinence.

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and vaccine evaluation of the prostate tumor- associated carbohydrate antigen RM2. The author first presents the use of the [1+2+3] one-pot sequential strategy to successfully synthesise the RM2 antigen and its analogues as single stereoisomers in every glycosylation step, producing good yields and stereoselectivity. He then introduces the conjugation of the synthetic RM2 antigen to the carrier protein CRM197 in an average number of 1-10 to create the prostate cancer vaccine candidate, which is combined with -galactosylceramide C1, its analogue C34, or Alu. The results of the vaccination studies in mice are also described and indicate that the strongest anti-RM2 antigen titer is exhibited when one molecule of diphtheria toxin (DT) is conjugated with an average of 4.7 molecules of RM2 antigen (DT-RM4.7) and adjuvanted with the glycolipid C34. More importantly, the induced mouse antibodies mediate the effective complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) against the prostate cancer cell line LNCap. The study presented in this thesis is the first ever to successfully synthesize this complex glycan molecule. Owing to the steric hindrance of the adjacent sialyl moiety, the introduction of two sialic acid units to the compact and rigid 3,4 di branched galactoside unit is very challenging and the -selective and efficient glycosylation of the galactosamine moiety at the 4-position of di branched galactose is also problematic.

This book aims to provide specialists and practitioners with a reliable source of information on all aspects of Peyronie's disease, which is too often still considered a mysterious condition. The focus is in particular on those aspects of the disease that are most hotly debated, including etiology, risk factors, nosology, natural history and medical therapy. Clear guidance is also provided on surgical techniques, with explanation of why and when to apply plication surgery, corporoplasty and plaque surgery and the best approach to complicated cases. Throughout, strenuous efforts have been made to ensure clarity and simplicity of expression and ease of consultation. While clear international guidelines are lacking, this has allowed the authors to devote much space to personal ideas, conveying the fascinating and sometimes conflicting nature of this field of medicine and, hopefully, stimulating further research.

Men's Health is a concise, didactic compendium that covers three important aspects of male sexual health:- Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome; Premature Ejaculation and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The chapters that deal with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome cover the epidemiology of the condition in the local context, the science behind the condition, its clinical presentation and treatment choices. The section on Premature Ejaculation advises the health practitioner on how to investigate this condition and describes the various treatment options available to the patient. The chapters on Sexually Transmitted Infections cover special aspects of the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of STIs occurring in Men which are not normally highlighted in the usual texts on STI management. Written by experts in the field, Men's Health is a valuable and timely resource for urologists, andrologists, endocrinologists as well as other health professionals practicing in these areas.