Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like endometrial cells, glands, and stroma outside the uterus, causing a strong inflammatory-like microenvironment in the affected tissue. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is unknown, but estimates range from 2%-10% of women of reproductive age, to 50% of infertile women. Its etiopathogenesis of endometriosis still remains controversial-immune, hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors may be all involved, and several theories have been proposed to explain it. This book aims to summarize recent ground-breaking studies that may open new scenarios and change the perspective of the topic, including cutting-edge elements about diagnosis, pharmacologic and surgical treatments, as well as basic/translational science (immunology, cell biology, genetics, and epigenetics) pieces of evidence, to unravel new pathways to follow for the future diagnosis and management of endometriosis, and to improve our current knowledge of its aetiology.

Endometriosis is a common disorder, probably underdiagnosed, that is a significant cause of infertility and has a major impact on the quality of women's lives. In this volume, leading scientists and clinicians present the current status of our knowledge about endometriosis. Topics include findings from research on endometrial cell functions, extracellular matrix components, and steroid hormone receptors in eutopic and ectopic tissues. In addition, clinical advances in the management of endometriosis are presented, including new treatments and genetic and demographic analyses of occurrence of the disease. Special attention is paid to the significance of environmental factors in inducing endometriosis. Table of Contents: Part I. Overviews: What Is Endometriosis?Part II. Basic Biology of EndometriosisPart III. Growth Factors, Cytokines, and Angiogenic FactorsPart IV. Matrix Modification in Endometrial TissuePart V. Immune System and EndometriosisPart VI. Environment and EndometriosisPart VII. Genetics and Gene Expression in EndometriosisPart VIII. In Vitro and Animal Models of EndometriosisPart IX. Intervention StrategiesPart X. Future Research Directions and Recommendations

Infertility is a widespread condition with significant consequences on both individual and societal levels. It has a prevalence of 9-18% of the general population, a rate that is seen in similar levels in different countries and continents. While significant progress has already been made in understanding the etiologies, pathogenesis, and management of a variety of conditions that can affect both male and female infertility at various levels, infertility remains a challenging problem for physicians and society. Even in advanced centers, the success rate of infertility treatments lingers at about 60%, and we believe that with more research we can tackle the most difficult situations. Although our understanding of embryo development and selection has greatly improved, knowledge of uterine and endometrial function and dysfunction is still insufficient. We welcome basic and translational research contributions that focus on the advancement of the field of uterine and endometrial physiology and pathology, aiming to address current challenges and unsolved issues. We welcome basic and translational studies on diagnosis and potential therapeutic management of a variety of issues affecting female reproduction at the level of the uterus, such as but not limited to: • endometriosis and adenomyosis, • immunology of endometrium, • endometritis, • implantation failure, • unexplained infertility, • studies on endometrial function/dysfunction, endometrial receptivity, uterine microbiota; • studies that focus on possible implementation and advancement of personalized medicine in management of uterine disorders of reproduction.

Frontiers in Tissue Engineering is a carefully edited compilation of state-of-the-art contributions from an international authorship of experts in the diverse subjects that make up tissue engineering. A broad representation of the medical, scientific, industrial and regulatory community is detailed in the book. The work is an authoritative and comprehensive reference source for scientists and clinicians working in this emerging field. The book is divided into three parts: fundamentals and methods of tissue engineering, tissue engineering applied to specialised tissues, and tissue engineering applied to organs. The text offers many novel approaches, including a detailed coverage of cell-tissue interactions at cellular and molecular levels; cell-tissue surface, biochemical, and mechanical environments; biomaterials; engineering design; tissue-organ function; new approaches to tissue-organ regeneration and replacement of function; ethical considerations of tissue engineering; and government regulation of tissue-engineered products.

The first medical specialty selection guide written by residents for students! Provides an inside look at the issues surrounding medical specialty selection, blending first-hand knowledge with useful facts and statistics, such as salary information, employment data, and match statistics. Focuses on all the major specialties and features firsthand portrayals of each by current residents. Also includes a guide to personality characteristics that are predominate with practitioners of each specialty. “A terrific mixture of objective information as well as factual data make this book an easy, informative, and interesting read.” --Review from a 4th year Medical Student

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.