Search

It is a well-known fact that children's growth depends on the quality of their nutrition. However, the mechanisms of fetal and child growth and their interactions with nutrition have not yet been fully elucidated and still pose a challenge to those engaged in the field. Exchanging concepts and knowledge among professionals of various disciplines thus remains very important. This second'Yearbook'provides an update on the research published between 2013 and 2015. An international team of experts presents papers that shed light on the mechanisms of interaction between nutrition and growth, and provide insight to the readers. Each paper is briefly summarized and supplemented with editorial comments which evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application.This'Yearbook'is an important tool for practicing physicians, including pediatricians, subspecialists in pediatric gastroenterology, metabolism and nutrition, and endocrinology. Nutritionists and dieticians, as well as other health professionals involved in the care of children, will also find this to be a useful resource.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the'Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology'keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The'Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2014'covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2013 through May 2014.

THIS BOOK collects together papers given at a NATO Advanced Research Workshop held at Il Ciocco (Lucca), Italy, from the 9th to the 15th April, 1989. It sets out to present the current state of understanding of the principles governing the way fluxes and concentrations are maintained and controlled in metabolic systems. Although this is a topic that has held the interest of biochemists for many years, it is only quite recently that the methods of analysing the kinetics of multi-enzyme pathways developed over the past two decades have come to be widely discussed or applied experimentally. Many biochemists remain sceptical that the new methods offer a real advance (except in complexity) over the landmark discoveries of the 1950s and 1960s relating to inhibition of enzymes at branch-points by the end products of metabolic pathways, and the interpretation of allosteric effects and cooperativity. Even those who have become convinced that the classical ideas provide only the starting point for understanding metabolic control have been by no means unanimous in their assess­ ment of the direction in which one should advance. In this book we have tried to include all of the current points of view, including the view that the classical theories tell us all that we need to know. We have not seen it as our role as editors to paper over the cracks that exist and to pretend that we can speak to the world with one voice.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the ‘Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2013'keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The ‘Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2013'covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2012 through May 2013.

This volume of Molecular Biology of Hematopoiesis is dedicated to many inter­ national scientists and clinicians for their contribution to the field of Hematology/ Oncology presented at the 11th International Symposium on Molecular Biology of Hematopoiesis, which was held in Bormio, Italy, June 25-29, 1998. The continuous support of the Presidents of the meeting, Professor F. Takaku, President of Jichi University, and E. D. Thomas, Nobel Laureate, was greatly acknowledged, especially Professor Takaku, for his vision and support for development of gene therapy in Japan. New information on BMT for autoimmune disease and organ transplantation was presented at the symposium and is published in this volume. Several new findings on gene therapy/transfer into HSC were presented by E. F. Vanin and A. Nienhuis, K. Humphries, 1. A. Nolta, H. E. Heslop, and M. K. Brenner. Professors S. Asano and K. Tani presented new studies on gene transfer into primates. Among the highlights were the new papers on gene transfer presented by G. Wage maker, N. G. Abraham, and M. Onoderea from R. M. BJaese's group. The use of BMT for organ transplant and autoim­ mune disease was updated and a representative paper is presented in this volume.

This book is devoted to a theme of public health reaching out to communities of practice/engaging communities in new public health endeavors/community-scientist collaborations. The authors sought chapters that fit the theme and were either quantitative or qualitative research, program descriptions, or theoretical reviews of public health issues. Thus, this book contains both quantitative and qualitative research papers, programmatic and theoretical papers on applied public health issues. A range of topics are included from violence and behavioral problems to nutrition, cancer survival, deinstitutionalization, intellectual disability and child maltreatment.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2012 keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2012 covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2011 through May 2012.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2011 keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2011 covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2010 through May 2011.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2010 keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2010 covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2009 through May 2010.

The body of knowledge in most medical specialties is rapidly expanding, making it virtually impossible to follow all advances in clinical and basic sciences that are relevant to a given field. This is particularly true in pediatric endocrinology, at the cross-road of pediatrics, endocrinology, development and genetics. Providing abstracts of articles that report the year's breakthrough developments in the basic sciences and evidence-based new knowledge in clinical research and clinical practice that are relevant to the field, the ‘Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2009'keeps busy clinicians and scientists, pediatric endocrinologists, and also pediatricians and endocrinologists informed on new advances. Twelve Associate Editors and their co-authors selected from several thousand papers those that brought the most meaningful new information, summarized them and provided comments to put them into perspective. The papers are classified into those that identify new genes involved in diseases, new hormones, concepts revised or re-centered, important observations for clinical practice, large-scale clinical trials, new mechanisms, new paradigms, important review articles, new fears and new hopes. Because the Yearbook is endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE), its publication is linked to the annual meeting of the ESPE. The ‘Yearbook of Pediatric Endocrinology 2009'covers the medical and scientific literature from June 2008 through May 2009.

This volume contains a selection of papers presented at the Nutrition and Fitness Conference in Shanghai, held in November 2006 under the auspices of the World Council on Nutrition, Fitness and Health. Starting with a keynote presentation on nutrition, fitness and the concept of positive health from ancient times to the present, the focus then shifts to the role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in health and disease. Other topics addressed are non-conventional genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease; the impact of the APO E genotype on health, nutrition and fitness; nutrition in the prevention of chronic disease; and the connection between exercise and obesity. Papers on nutritional risk factors for gastrointestinal cancers; mediterranean diets as a global resource in health and disease; as well as political issues conclude the presentations. Covering a wide spectrum of issues, these proceedings will be of interest to geneticists, nutritionists and dieticians, exercise physiologists, cultural anthropologists, historians, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, health care providers, scientists in industry and government, policymakers, and national and international governmental organizations.

This ‘Neuroendocrinology'special issue provides a collection of papers generated at the first consensus conference devoted to gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. The conference was held in Frascati (Rome, Italy) in November 2005. The focus was on neuroendocrine tumors of foregut origin, stomach, duodenum and pancreas. A standard approach based on WHO tumors classification was adopted with 63 experts and practicing clinicians confronting their experience and evidence-based data to devise effective strategies for the management of patients with this neglected cancer disease. Papers are organized on an anatomical basis, specific issues are discussed and minimal consensus statements defined and highlighted for easy recognition. Topics include Classification and Epidemiology; Clinical presentation/Prognosis/Heredity; Diagnostic Procedures (imaging-lab tests); Pathology and Genetics; Surgical Therapy (curative and palliative); Loco-Regional Ablative Therapy; Liver Transplantation; Medical Therapy (biotherapy and chemotherapy); Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy and Follow-Up scheduling. Readers will be able to find specific answers to key questions for specific tumors, such as the follow-up for stomach type 1 carcinoids; the diagnostic procedure for gastrinoma or the algorithm for liver metastasis treatment in patients with pancreatic non-functioning neuroendocrine carcinomas.

The Thinking Healthcare System: Artificial Intelligence and Human Equity is the first comprehensive book detailing the historical, global, and technical trends shaping the evolution of the modern healthcare system into its final form—an AI-driven thinking healthcare system, structured and functioning as a global digital health ecosystem. Written by the world's first triple doctorate trained physician-data scientist and ethicist, and author of three AI textbooks and over 350 scientific and ethics papers, this indispensable resource makes sense of how technology, economics, and ethics are already producing the future's health system—and how to ensure it works for every patient, community, and culture in our globalized, digitalized, and divided world. Providing clear descriptions and concrete examples, this book brings together AI-accelerated digital health ecosystems, data architecture, cloud and edge computing, precision medicine, public health, telemedicine, patient safety, health political economics, multicultural global ethics, blockchain, and quantum health computing, among other topics. Healthcare and business executives, clinicians, researchers, government leaders, policymakers, and students in the fields of healthcare management, data science, medicine, public health, informatics, health and public policy, political economics, and bioethics will find this book to be a groundbreaking resource on how to create, nourish, and lead AI-driven health systems for the future that can think, adapt, and so care in a manner worthy of the world's patients. - Details the first comprehensive, global, and multidisciplinary analysis of the AI-driven transformation of modern healthcare systems into their definitive digitalized form that will dominate the future - Provides clear descriptions and concrete examples of AI-informed value-based healthcare, digital health ecosystems, data architecture, cloud and edge computing, precision medicine, public health, telemedicine, patient safety, health political economics, multicultural and embedded global ethics, blockchain, AI security, health security, digital twins, and quantum health computing - Serves as a practical blueprint, roadmap, and system DNA for creating the future's healthcare system that integrates efficiency and equity to accelerate the treatment (and in some cases even cures) for some of our world's most urgent, immediate, and impending global health challenges and crises

This reference volume conveys complete understanding and management of Androgenetic Alopecia and Female Pattern Hair Loss (AGA/FPHL). These are probably the most common adult (18-50 yrs.) health disorders besides dental caries, accounting for over 98% of hair loss cases in males and over 70% cases in females. The present volume, the first of three related volumes, is structured in 4 sections: 22 dedicated chapters, ranging from basic science (Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology), the etiology of adult, childhood & adolescent AGA/FPHL, diagnostic steps and evaluation, to related disorders and comorbidities. For the first time in the scientific literature, all pathogenic contributors of AGA/FPHL, including micro-inflammation, scalp vascularization, biochemical stress, aging, solar radiation, and the sebaceous gland, are examined in comprehensive, dedicated chapters. The effects of every hormone on AGA/FPHL, as well as the psychological impact of the condition, are explored in depth. An extensive chapter on childhood and adolescent AGA/FPHL, a more common than previously thought condition, is another unique feature. Finally, two extremely detailed sections are included on the pathogenic links of AGA/FPHL to life-threatening comorbidities: cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, insulin resistance, and prostatic disorders, with suggested guidelines on how to save lives of balding patients by adopting early screening strategies. In providing a fully updated, thorough guide to this popular topic, this richly illustrated volume (over 200 figures, tables, and algorithms) offers the latest, evidence-based information on every aspect of AGA/FPHL causing hair loss to countless patients. Each subject is addressed according to learning and clinical needs, and the presented information is supported by a wealth of peer-reviewed papers. Every aspect of this condition is considered, including biology, diagnosis, etiology, from drug treatment, the influence of nutrition, lifestyle and food supplements, to related disorders, surgical hair restoration, hair care, and future treatment options. This handbook will be an invaluable conveying best management standards to readers, whether experienced practitioners, clinicians, dermatologists, surgeons or researchers interested in hair restoration.

Behavioral neuroendocrinologists are interested in the interactions between hormones and behaviors. This unique book tracks the development of behavioral neuroendocrinology from the first recognized paper in the field by Arnold Berthold in 1849 to the major contributors of the past century. It traces the history and development of the field by exploring the women and men who conducted the studies that revealed these hormone-behavioral relationships. Most chapters are written by the individuals who knew these pioneers best, and describe their stories and discuss the ways in which their work has shaped the field. Now is the perfect time for this book. The field is burgeoning and interest in the development of theoretical perspectives is thriving. Moreover, although this field was dominated by men early on, it has become a field with near sexual parity among its faculty, society membership, and leadership, and thus serves as an example of equitable science, training, and advocacy.

Children's growth is a common concern to all health care providers treating neonates, infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. Defining the best nutrition for healthy and active children as well as for those who suffer from acute or chronic disease is relevant to the children, their care givers, and to health care providers. For this publication, an international group of experts in nutrition, metabolism, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and auxology have selected some of the most important manuscripts published between July 2018 and June 2019. Each paper is supplemented with editorial comments aiming to highlight the lessons that can be learnt. This book provides a significant contribution to the knowledge base and will help all subspecialties of health care providers dealing with the pediatric age group to get updated on some of the key issues in the interaction between nutrition and growth.

In recent years, several scientific papers have highlighted the role of the thyroid system in cardioprotection, and several clinical studies – including multicenter studies – have identified the role of thyroid hormones (TH) in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, making an update of TH and heart relationship both necessary and timely. This second edition of Thyroid and Heart failure provides a careful and updated review of the experimental, clinical and epidemiological results in the field of TH and heart failure, with a particular focus on the translational - bench to bedside - significance of the obtained results. It discusses topics such as the molecular, structural, functional, cellular and histological cardiac changes; the reversibility of these changes with TH replacement therapy; the systemic effects – kidney, hormonal pathways systems, brain, muscle, etc – of altered TH metabolism in HF, as well as the clinical and prognostic implications. The section devoted to the potential therapeutic treatments has been expanded. Thanks to its translational approach to this highly complex subject, the book will be of interest to a broad readership, including cardiologists, endocrinologists and internists.

Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. In the early days of the Serial, the subjects of vitamins and hormones were quite distinct. Now, new discoveries have proved that several of the vitamins function as hormones and many of the substances inferred by the title of the serial function in signal transduction processes. Accordingly, the Editor-in-Chief has expanded the scope of the serial to reflect this newer understanding of function-structure relationships in cellular communication. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms.This volume comprises three groups of contributors. The first three papers deal with receptors and their actions. The second group of three papers are on diabetes and specific hormones. The last three papers are presentations on various aspects of vitamins and growth factors.

Adequate nutrition is a crucial component for child growth. Under- or malnutrition may not only affect present and future growth, but also a child's ability to develop skills. In this publication, specialists in nutrition and growth present some of the best studies from peer-reviewed journals published between July 2016 and June 2017. Each paper is briefly summarized and supplemented with editorial comments which evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application. This'Yearbook'is an important tool for practicing physicians, including pediatricians, subspecialists in pediatric gastroenterology, metabolism and nutrition, and endocrinology. Nutritionists and dieticians, as well as other health professionals involved in the care of children, will also find this to be a useful resource.

Adequate nutrition is a crucial component for child growth. Under- or malnutrition may not only affect present and future growth, but also a child's ability to develop skills. Tremendous efforts are being made to try and understand the mechanisms leading to stunted growth, proper diet composition, and an appropriate rehabilitation diet for children suffering from under- or malnutrition in all age groups during the growth period. In this publication, specialists in nutrition and growth present some of the best studies from peer-reviewed journals published between July 2015 and June 2016. Each paper is briefly summarized and supplemented with editorial comments which evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application. This'Yearbook'is an important tool for practicing physicians, including pediatricians, subspecialists in pediatric gastroenterology, metabolism and nutrition, and endocrinology. Nutritionists and dieticians, as well as other health professionals involved in the care of children, will also find this to be a useful resource.

Neuroendocrinology with its well defined functions, inputs, and outputs, is one of the most fertile grounds for computational modeling in neuroscience. But modeling is often seen as something of a dark art. This book aims to display the power of modeling approaches in neuroendocrinology, and to showcase its potential for understanding these complex systems. A recurring theme in neuroendocrinology is rhythms. How are rhythms generated, and what purpose do they serve? Are these two questions inextricably intertwined? This book is written for innocents, presuming no math beyond high school or computing beyond calculators. It seeks to lead the curious into the thinking of the modeler, providing the tools to the reader to understand models, and even develop their own, giving life to paper diagrams. The diverse chapters, from ion channels to networks, systems, and hormonal rhythms, each tell the story of a model serving to join the hard won dots of experimentation, mapping a new understanding, and revealing hidden knowledge. Written by a team of internationally renowned researchers Both print and enhanced e-book versions are available Illustrated in full colour throughout This is the fourth volume in a new Series'Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology', a co- publication between Wiley and the INF (International Neuroendocrine Federation) that aims to illustrate highest standards and encourage the use of the latest technologies in basic and clinical research and hopes to provide inspiration for further exploration into the exciting field of neuroendocrinology. Series Editors: John A. Russell, University of Edinburgh, UK and William E. Armstrong, The University of Tennessee, USA

The field of diabetes mellitus research is currently characterized by rapid and remarkable growth that has led to the development of significant diagnostic and therapeutic advances. This is very important given the fact that the frequency of the disease continues to increase at alarming rates worldwide. This new volume is a comprehensive overview of the contemporary state of the art in the field. Experts shed light on a broad range of relevant aspects, from genetic background to topics related to diabetic complications such as diabetic retinopathy or diabetic nephropathy. This is expanded upon through papers reporting on the present state of diabetes in pregnancy and on the relationship between diabetes and cancer. There is also an inventory of currently used therapeutic tools and a review of novel therapeutic approaches like incretin-based therapies or sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors. Additionally, the latest technological developments such as enhanced features for blood glucose meter or continuous and implantable glucose monitoring devices are included. Providing a concise but comprehensive update, this book will be essential to every clinician involved in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Although of vital importance, nutrition is still a neglected issue in medical curricula - a fact that this book is aiming to remedy by addressing topics ranging from basic physiology to the implementation of nutritional practices in the hospital as well as in the home setting. Papers discuss the morbidity and mortality caused by malnutrition, the nutritional requirements as well as beneficial effects on the gut of enteral nutrition, the noncaloric benefits of fibers or nutritional support during cancer treatment. Also considered are nutritional therapy for critically ill patients, perioperative nutritional intervention, management of the metabolic syndrome, the biological value of protein, the benefits and hazards of parenteral nutrition in patients with intestinal failure, and the role of nutrition in frailty of aged people. This book provides expert knowledge that will help the practitioner to make appropriate choices to implement nutritional practices that benefit he population at large as well as clinical patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing worldwide public health problem resulting from the increasing number of patients with diabetes and hypertension, but also from the aging of the population. As the pathology associated with CKD appears to become more complex with age, it is essential to improve the prognosis of patients suffering from CKD by developing effective measures to prevent and control complications for the elderly. The publication at hand makes a significant contribution to achieving this goal, with renowned Japanese scientists presenting their recent research results. Papers cover various aspects of CKD and related morbidities, ranging from dialysis- and access-related issues to bone disorders, tissue engineering, or hyperphosphatemia. Due to the wide range of topics presented, this book will be of interest to readers in various clinical and research settings connected with the care for the elderly.

Over the past decade, the potential of the pineal hormone melatonin as a therapeutic agent in a variety of diseases has been recognized. This book is the first to review the effect of melatonin in sleep disorders, its possible use as an immunoregulatory agent and clinical results obtained in cancer immunotherapy. Several papers are devoted to the pharmacological and molecular characterization of melatonin receptors in a variety of cell types. Other contributions further investigate the immunoenhancing effect of melatonin, such as in viral encephalitis and bacterial infections, and consider possible therapeutic indications. Melatonin is also reported to exert important hematopoietic effects by stimulating the production of novel T helper cell opioid cytokines. Other basic studies introduce new perspectives describing melatonin as a potent free radical scavenger. This book should be read by clinicians working in the fields of sleep disorders, oncology and infectious diseases as well as by scientists active in the field of neuroimmunomodulation. It will also be very useful to all those interested in melatonin as a therapeutic agent.

This volume of Contributions to Nephrology is comprised of papers presented at the 7th International Ammoniagenesis Workshop. The presentations are organized into sections dealing with ammonia-forming enzymes, molecular biological aspects of glutamine metabolism metabolic alterations in acidosis, kidney and brain metabolism of glutamine and other amino acids, hepatic amino acid metabolism, renal utilization of various nitrogenous substances, and interorgan metabolism of ammonia and other substrates. With contributions from leading researchers, this book is a valuable update for scientists working or interested in the field.

Copeptin is a stable and sensitive surrogate marker for AVP release. It can be measured reliably within a few hours and its concentration in vivo follows that of mature AVP with respect to osmotic stimuli, hypotension or stress. Over the last years, copeptin measurement has been shown to be useful in a variety of clinical indications, which are compiled in this book. Since the availability of the copeptin assay, the number of papers on this biomarker has increased almost exponentially, and it becomes increasingly difficult to read and follow all the developments. This book will help to summarize our present knowledge of this promising biomarker, and will guide the interested researcher with those open questions that call for further studies.

In the first section of this volume, we have attempted to bring together some of the papers that reflect exciting new areas of development in relation to neuroendocrine investigation. Very recently, specific nucleotide recognition sequences for thyroid hormones, steroid hormones and the fundamental intracellular regulator, cyclic AMP, have been determined. In this section, the preliminary characterization and investigation of the nuclear binding proteins that mediate the actions of cAMP are described. Not only does this represent an important advance in cell biology, but it may represent a further level of alteration in control in normal and disease states. Intercellular pituitary'cross talk'is well described in the in vitro setting. The active molecules are clearly It is now important able to exert significant actions at the subnanomolar level. to design experiments in order to define the precise physiological relevance of these novel and potentially important observations. Paracrine and autocrine cellular interactions are of established importance in growth control in a variety of body tissues. But it is only very recently that the investigation of normal and abnormal anterior pituitary growth has reached the forefront of neuroendocrine research. This is perhaps surprising, beause the inhibitory effects of doapmine agonism on lactotroph growth and differentiation have been appreciated for some time. The anterior pituitary gland produces numerous growth factors that exert a variety of functional effects on pituitary hormone synthesis and release.

captured for the published proceedings. Nevertheless, the two Supplements to this Journal (also available together as a hard-backed book) do, over the years, embrace many of the major aspects of the study of inborn errors of metabolism and can, particularly with the Short Communications section, be used as a way into the literature on specific new topics. We hope that with judicious selection of material these supplements will continue to provide, as did the Society's earlier annual publications, a balanced record of the present state of the subject in all its facets, a record of interest to those working in allied fields as well as to the specialist. R. J. Pollitt G. M. Addison R. A. Harkness The papers listed below were also presented at the meeting. Scripts were not available by the time of publication. 1. Tangier disease and related disorders of apolipoprotein Al. G. Assmann, Munster. 2. Contribution to Ethics Symposium by M. E. Pembrey, London.

In September 1998 experts from 19 countries came together for an interdisciplinary discussion of the function of animal peroxidases, a family of enzymes embracing myeloperoxidase, eosinophil peroxidase, thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase. Their papers have been updated for publication, yielding a wide-ranging overview of the state of the art. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including three-dimensional structure of representative family members, their biosynthesis and intracellular transport, mechanism of action as well as applications to clinical medicine. They are of clinical relevance in, for example, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, infections, tumorigenesis, rheumatic diseases and hypothyroidism. This book forms an excellent introduction for anyone interested in the peroxidase family of enzymes.

Tamoxifen has persisted as a widely accepted and administered drug for almost 25 years. Following the many scientific papers and books on the subject, it has remained a very intriguing substance. This, perhaps, is the reason for another monograph on Tamoxifen. It is regrettably true that overviews, even when up to date after exhaustive research - the shibboleth of our cultures -, rapidly lose relevance with the passage of time. Scientists can sometimes be pictured as deep sea divers, who plunge into the unknown in search of a hitherto unknown world. Their descent is exciting, but eventually they must come up for air and integrate their experiences with others who also had to resurface. This book intends to collect and, where possible, to collate recent, but sometimes seemingly unrelated information. To quote Stephane Mallarme:'Everything in the world exists to end up in a book'. Even if this is a tad cynical, it might not be far from the truth. If a little knowledge is a dangerous commodity, one can also add - tongue in cheek - that a vast amount of knowledge can be truly hazardous. It is likely that what might seem as entangled data is confusing, especially for those satisfied with the comfortable interpretation of Tamoxifen as an antiestrogen which has long been found insufficient. The complexity of its mechanisms and effects defies simple explanations and may even seem capricious, but only because of our ignorance.

The breadth of research efforts represented by the many excellent papers in these proceedings is an eloquent testimonial to the idea of one man­ Dr. Josiah Brown-to whose memory this volume is dedicated. His tragic and unexpected loss in a swimming accident in August 1985 brought to an abrupt close a long and distinguished career as a physician and scientist. The possibility of using fetal pancreas tissue for transplantation into insulin-deficient diabetic recipients had intrigued Dr. Brown for several years prior to 1972, when he began in earnest to assemble a research team to explore this idea in detail. He felt that improvements in the formulation and administration of insulin (even the later recombinant human insulin) had taken us about as far as we could go in treating diabetes, and that methods for achieving complete cures must be explored. Numerous advantages of the fetal pancreas quickly became apparent, and were explored scientifically by Dr. Brown and his group. Transplanted pancreas tissue from a fetal donor of the appropriate developmental stage engrafts quickly, and can reverse diabetes very efficiently (1-3). By shunting the venous'drainage of the graft into the hepatic portal vein, a single pancreatic rudiment can, in time, provide enough insulin to restore normoglycemia and urine volume in a diabetic adult recipient (4). As with fetal pancreas rudiments in culture, transplanted fetal pancreas tissue loses its exocrine character, while continuing to develop and maintain endocrine function.

The rapid developments in molecular genetics have clarified many of the muta­ tions in monogenic thyroid diseases over the last two decades; now the target of molecular thyroid genetics has become the oligogenic thyroid diseases. These include the autoimmune thyroid diseases and familial thyroid cancers, both of which are much commoner than the monogenic diseases. However, the method­ ological approach to the genetics of these more complex diseases is still far from being well established. Although the discovery of susceptibility genes has been partially accomplished in complex diseases such as asthma, Crohn's dis­ ease, and types I and II diabetes mellitus, the elucidation of susceptibility genes in complex diseases remains a major challenge. This volume contains papers presented at the International Symposium on the Genetics of Complex Thyroid Diseases. This meeting was held in association with the International Thyroid Congress in Kyoto in October 2000 and sup­ ported in part by the Japan Intractable Diseases Research Foundation and Knoll Pharmaceuticals Inc. The symposium was the first international symposium con­ cerning the genetics of complex thyroid diseases and was restricted to the study of the autoimmune thyroid diseases and familial thyroid cancer. Twenty distin­ guished researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Ger­ many, Italy, and Japan were invited. Each presentation precipitated intense dis­ cussion and there was much consensus during the meeting. Nevertheless, this volume will leave the reader with a clear understanding of how little we still know.

It is a truism that as we age there are a number of underlying physiological changes conspiring to alter our level of behavioral and cognitive function­ ing. Despite the inherent interrelatedness of these behavioral and cognitive changes, all too often the papers we read confine themselves to specific, isolated components of the developing process. Although exceptions nat­ urally exist, we believe that these exceptions should become rule. Although an integrated approach is important in all areas of adult devel­ opment, it is perhaps particularly germane in the study of atypical aging. Here, changes in overall functioning can occur in rapid succession, with the synchrony of decline between different subprocesses making it difficult to factor changes in one process from changes in another. For example, because changes in cognitive functioning co-occur with other dramatic changes in (motoric) response capacities, it is unclear how one can effec­ tively study changes in the ability to cognize independent of changes in the very mechanisms (ability to execute motor sequences) so often used to index cognitive performance.

Principles of Research Methodology: A Guide for Clinical Investigators is the definitive, comprehensive guide to understanding and performing clinical research. Designed for medical students, physicians, basic scientists involved in translational research, and other health professionals, this indispensable reference also addresses the unique challenges and demands of clinical research and offers clear guidance in becoming a more successful member of a medical research team and critical reader of the medical research literature. The book covers the entire research process, beginning with the conception of the research problem to publication of findings. Principles of Research Methodology: A Guide for Clinical Investigators comprehensively and concisely presents concepts in a manner that is relevant and engaging to read. The text combines theory and practical application to familiarize the reader with the logic of research design and hypothesis construction, the importance of research planning, the ethical basis of human subjects research, the basics of writing a clinical research protocol and scientific paper, the logic and techniques of data generation and management, and the fundamentals and implications of various sampling techniques and alternative statistical methodologies. Organized in thirteen easy to read chapters, the text emphasizes the importance of clearly-defined research questions and well-constructed hypothesis (reinforced throughout the various chapters) for informing methods and in guiding data interpretation. Written by prominent medical scientists and methodologists who have extensive personal experience in biomedical investigation and in teaching key aspects of research methodology to medical students, physicians and other health professionals, the authors expertly integrate theory with examples and employ language that is clear and useful for a general medical audience. A major contribution to the methodology literature, Principles of Research Methodology: A Guide for Clinical Investigators is an authoritative resource for all individuals who perform research, plan to perform it, or wish to understand it better.

Diet significantly affects athletic performance, and adoption of a dietary strategy that meets an athlete's nutrition goals will maximize the possibility of competitive success. Over the years, the focus has shifted from a high intake of (animal) protein to the role of carbohydrate and water. Today, there is a growing recognition that the primary role of sports nutrition may be to promote the adaptations taking place in muscle and other tissues in response to the training stimulus. There is also much interest in the implications of manipulation of the fat and carbohydrate content of the diet. This publication contains the proceedings of the 69th Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop held in Hawaii in October 2010. The aim of the workshop was to explore the effects of nutritional manipulations on the metabolic responses to acute and chronic exercise. Another goal was to further identify the possible role of these dietary interventions in promoting adaptive changes in muscle, adipose tissues and other potential sites of limitation to exercise performance. Papers cover the three macronutrients carbohydrate, fat and protein, plus an additional chapter on water, together with the accompanying discussions.

In the last few years, impressive research has been done on disorders of sex development (DSD), largely expanding the physiopathology with relevant effects on practice. Thus, management of individuals with DSD requires updated scientific knowledge, integrating basic and clinical information. In addition, doctors involved in the care of individuals with DSD need to develop specific personal skills in communication, ethics, legal issues and the ability to work together in dedicated multidisciplinary teams. National or even international networks are also mandatory to create stringent structures for correctly addressing the care of individuals with DSD and to offer them a better long-term outcome. This special issue of Sexual Development covers several of these hot topics and highlights some aspects of research and management. A special paper from a patient support group has been enclosed to present the opinion of affected people. All the authors have been selected regarding their expertise and documented competencies. This volume is essential reading for all scientists and clinicians involved in the field of DSD to plan additional research and to optimize the care of their patients.

In 1925, J. B. Collip (1925) reported that extracts of parathyroid gland contained an activity that raised calcium levels in the blood of parathyroidectomized animals, and suggested that this was due to a hormone produced in the parathyroid gland. The story of parathyroid hormone discovery was indicative of ever-increasing sophistication in sample preparation and protein isolation techniques. This paper resolved earlier controversies over the function of the parathyroid glands and c- trol of blood calcium. The year 1961 was a banner year for parathyroid research, in which the peptides parathyroid hormone and calcitonin were purified, and in which it was suggested that calcitonin could lower blood calcium (Copp and Cameron 1961). In 1982 it was discovered that in neurons the primary RNA transcript for calcitonin could be alternatively-spliced to give calcitonin gene-reated peptide (CGRP), and shortly thereafter amylin (previously named islet amyloid polyp- tide, IAPP) was identified and shown to have homology to CGRP. Since then a and b CGRP have been delineated and adrenomedullin and intermedin discovered, and this family of homologous peptides has emerged. This family of peptide hormones has a diverse and constantly expanding range of important physiologic functions, including regulation of blood calcium, vascular tension, feeding behavior and pain recognition.

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.

Over the past few decades the involvement of neurosteroids in brain function and mental health has attracted much interest, not only from a neuroscience perspective, but also from clinical and therapeutic aspects. In recent years, much of the research has focused on the multifunctional position of neurosteroids in the nervous system. The areas that have been explored, in particular, are the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the activity of neurosteroids in the brain, the role of neurosteroids in brain development, neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity, and their pharmacological properties. The large increase in the number of publications highlights this amplified interest in neurosteroids. Over the last 7 years at least 400 papers have been published describing the putative role of neurosteroids in the modulation of basic brain function and in the etiology and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Contributors to this book are amongst the most active basic researchers and c- nicians in the field and provide new perspectives not only clarifying some of the ongoing controversies, but also proposing diverse aspects and new insights. The book is organized in two major sections: “Neuroactive steroids and brain function', and ‘Neuroactive steroids and neuropsychiatric disorders”. Though the selection of topics has been influenced by the current state of the art and the issues that require further elaboration, one should not assume that these are the only significant issues at this time.

With cardiovascular disease becoming the most common cause of death in people with diabetes, interest in the assessment and treatment of heart disease in these patients has been reawakened. This book examines developing topics from a largely cardiological perspective, covering both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The DIGAMI study on the use of intravenous insulin infusion at the time of myocardial infarction (MI) has stimulated a large number of discussion papers on the best treatment of MI in the diabetic patient. The UKPDS has shown that treatment of Type 2 diabetes does not reduce cardiovascular end-points significantly, but that aggressive treatment of blood pressure can do so. In addition, sub-group analysis from several large cardiovascular trials has shown that treatment with statins, anti-platelet therapy, ACE inhibitors and other drugs will also reduce cardiovascular events in people with diabetes.

Dietary restriction uniquely and robustly increases maximum lifespan and greatly reduces age-related diseases in many species, including yeast, flies, nematodes, and mammals. To study mechanisms mediating the protective effects of dietary restriction, the National Institute of Aging convened a program involving several leading gerontological laboratories. Results from many of these, as well as from other leading research institutions in the field, are presented in this book. The first three papers address general molecular mechanisms, derived in part from recent DNA microarray studies, that may mediate protective effects of dietary restriction. The subsequent articles examine specific model systems, including flies, nematodes and non-human primates, that have provided exciting new information about these mechanisms. Finally, mechanisms of dietary restriction mediating protective effects against cancer and neurological diseases are discussed. In addition to gerontologists and geriatricians, many other medical and nonmedical professionals in the field will find a great wealth of information on possible interventions that may ameliorate age-related diseases.

Over the next decade, the global number of people with diabetes and at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is expected to grow by 25%, largely driven by the rising prevalence of obesity and inactivity. The problem is especially serious in Asia, where the WHO predicts that in less than a decade, 60% of the worldwide population with diabetes will be found. In order to avoid that the disease turns into a huge economic burden, individuals at risk must be identified, and prevention and suitable treatment interventions implemented. Conceding that the optimal diet for diabetes has yet to be defined and that nutrition and lifestyle management must be individualized to enhance the potential for a successful outcome, this publication examines the impact of lifestyle - which includes both nutritional management and physical activity - in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Among the topics addressed are the dysmetabolic syndrome, glycemic effect of carbohydrates, glycemic control and beyond, diabetes in the life cycle as well as the role of drugs and dietary therapy. Written by leading experts in the field, the papers collected in this publication contain a wealth of information for nutritionists, dietitians, physicians and epidemiologists.

The glucose-phosphorylating enzyme glucokinase (also known as hexokinase IV) plays a preeminent role as a glucose sensor and regulatory metabolic enzyme. The implications of this central position of glucokinase for the understanding and treatment of diabetes mellitus are far reaching. This book addresses the molecular and human genetic, as well as the physiological-chemical and pharmacological aspects of the role glucokinase plays in glucose homeostasis and diseases of glucose metabolism, and how the enzyme serves as the drug target for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The collection of assays by a team of internationally renowned authors includes basic science chapters dealing with the enzymology, structure and the kinetics of hexokinases, essays describing the biochemical genetics of glucokinase-linked hypo- and hyperglycemia syndromes, and papers that discuss the diverse roles of the enzyme in a variety of tissues. Finally, the book contains the latest information on the recently discovered class of weight drugs that activate glucokinase (i.e. glucokinase activators or GKAs). This volume is of great interest to basic and clinical diabetes researchers, geneticists, biochemists, physiologists and pharmacologists.

The proceedings of the Symposium on Acne which took place during the 20th World Congress of Dermatology in July 2002 in Paris review the current and future aspects of research, clinical entities and treatment of acne. In the foreword by Prof. John S. Strauss (Iowa City) the most important data are summarized. The papers presented are the results of a cooperation of international experts introducing innovative data on epidemiology, comedogenesis and inflammation, acne in infancy, acne genetics, topical and systemic treatment, bacterial resistance, hormonal therapy, and less common methods of acne therapy. This publication equally addresses clinicians and scientists interested in the current and future trends of the treatment of acne as well as the auspicious development acne research will experience.

Body-oriented psychotherapy recognises the continuity and deep connections between mind and body, psyche and soma. This concept is of key significance in the treatment of patients suffering from irreversible disorders like diabetes or infertility or from a progressive disease like multiple sclerosis, aids or cancer. Such a diagnosis is hard to accept. Body psychotherapists using special techniques can often achieve a deepened body consciousness in the patient leading to new insights and hence an altered state of mind. The papers presented here testify to the beneficial effects of the therapies and the improvement of the quality of life in spite of the irreversible somatic condition or the time left to live. Furthermore, the on-going process in the treating therapist is highlighted. Readers will appreciate the candid accounts of the therapists'concerns for their patients, their reflections on health, on the impending threat of death as well as on the spiritual aspects of dying. Psychotherapists of all disciplines, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, oncologists, neurologists, general practitioners as well as medical students will find this publication different, educational and inspiring.

This is the second of two volumes presenting the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Nutrition and Fitness. The papers in this volume consist of reviews as well as new data recommending new approaches for the prevention of chronic disease, taking into consideration the essential features of ancestral human existence - particularly during the Paleolithic period - during which the human genome was programmed. Western diets and current patterns of physical activity lead to imbalances in essential fatty acids and physical inactivity that promote obesity, insulin resistance, and variation in mood and mental health. Data are presented on the different effects of fatty acids on human metabolism, on the regulation of lipid metabolism during exercise, on the metabolic effects of endurance exercise, on mood and its relationship to physical activity and nutrition, and on the immune system. Moreover, it is clear that physical activity ensures nutritional well-being in the elderly. The application of this knowledge is essential to both Western cultures and societies in transition. These proceedings will be of interest to geneticists, nutritionists and dietitians, exercise physiologists, anthropologists, psychologists and psychiatrists, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, health care providers, scientists in government and industry, policymakers, and governmental organizations.

This is the first of two volumes containing the proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Nutrition and Fitness. It presents the latest data on the interrelationships of genes, nutrients and physical activity as they influence the phenotype throughout development. The human genome was shaped by the environment, especially diet and physical activity: The phenotype is thus the result of continuous gene-environment interactions. However, new data indicate that the environment has changed enormously, especially during the last 100 years, so that it is no longer in harmony with the human genome. A new discipline is evolving, called Nutrigenetics, which combines concepts and methods from genetics and nutritional sciences, and the term refers to individual variability in response to diet. The papers presented make it abundantly clear that we must make a conscious effort to develop in all dimensions the environment (particularly diet and physical activity) in which the human genome finds its optimal expression. This approach of individualized environmental modification is called Euphenics, and it must evolve simultaneously with Genomics and the use of genotypic analyses to enhance the quality of medical care for the individual. The euphenic approach is essential for the prevention and management of chronic disease. These proceedings will be of interest to geneticists, nutritionists and dietitians, exercise physiologists, anthropologists, psychologists and psychiatrists, pediatricians, internists, general practitioners, health care providers, scientists in government and industry, policymakers, and governmental organizations.

A timely collection of research papers by 18 leading scientists in the area of biochemical genetics of diabetes mellitus, these contributions focus on a well defined class of monogenic forms of the disease (i.e. MODYs 1-5) all caused by specific mutations or deletion of genes that control pancreatic beta-cell functions: HNF-4alpha (1), glucokinase (2), HNF-1alpha (3), IDX-1 (4) and HNF-1beta (5). This volume offers a historical perspective of MODYs, and it also contains contributions which deal with the fundamental questions of pancreas and liver development, critical for the understanding of the syndrome complex discussed. Attempts have been made to highlight results and concepts that may be relevant for understanding type-II diabetes in general, exemplified by contributions that connect the field of pancreatic islet cell biology and pathology with the newest findings in the area of insulin action, e.g. the role of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrates (IRS 1-3). Covering a broad and novel approach on the subject of MODYs, this book looks into the future of molecular genetic and biochemical research in this area. It is recommended reading for basic research scientists in the area of diabetes mellitus, academically oriented endocrinologists and clinical researchers.