The first international forum on relaxin was a workshop held in Hawaii in 1980. This was followed by the Kroc Foundation conference in Santa Ynes, California in 1981 and then the First International Congress on the Hormone Relaxin in Florence in 1982. After a hiatus of several years, the Second International Congress on the Hormone Relaxin was held in Adelaide in 1994. Since that time, the enormous advances in molecular biology and protein chemistry have led to a stellar growth in relaxin research. Novel sites of action of the hormone have been elucidated, numerous new mammalian primary structures determined, more detailed mechanisms of action postulated, the control of relaxin secretion better understood, non-pregnant roles of the hormone identified, and, importantly, relaxin-related peptides (particularly INSL 3 and 5) identified and possible synergistic actions with relaxin proposed. A raft of novel clinical applications of relaxin has also been explored. Together, these exciting developments made the time ripe for a third international conference. We were therefore delighted to welcome many colleagues, old and new, at Relaxin 2000, the first international forum on relaxin and related peptides in the new Millennium. This conference, which we hope will now be held every four to five years, was held at the Cable Beach Inter-Continental Resort at the delightful old pearling town of Broome in the far north-west of Australia from 22-27 October, 2000.

This comprehensive book contains the latest information on diverse biological functions of relaxin and related peptide found since the recent discovery of relaxin receptors. It also describes the evolution of relaxin family peptides and their receptors, molecular mechanisms of ligand/receptor interaction and the analysis of activated signaling pathways.

The 3rd edition, the first new one in ten years, includes coverage of molecular levels of detail arising from the last decade's explosion of information at this level of organismic organization. There are 5 new Associate Editors and about 2/3 of the chapters have new authors. Chapters prepared by return authors are extensively revised. Several new chapters have been added on the topic of pregnancy, reflecting the vigorous investigation of this topic during the last decade.The information covered includes both human and experimental animals; basic principels are sought, and information at the organismic and molecular levels are presented. *The leading comprehensive work on the physiology of reproduction*Edited and authored by the world's leading scientists in the field*Is a synthesis of the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of organization*Bibliogrpahics of chapters are extensive and cover all the relevant literature

Chesley's Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy continues its tradition as one of the beacons to guide the field of preeclampsia research, recognized for its uniqueness and utility. Hypertensive disorders remain one the major causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and death. It is also a leading cause of preterm birth now known to be a risk factor in remote cardiovascular disease. Despite this the hypertensive disorders remain marginally studied and management is often controversial. The fourth edition of Chesley's Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy focuses on prediction, prevention, and management for clinicians, and is an essential reference text for clinical and basic investigators alike. Differing from other texts devoted to preeclampsia, it covers the whole gamut of high blood pressure, and not just preeclampsia. - Features new chapters focusing on recent discoveries in areas such as fetal programming, genomics/proteomics, and angiogenesis - Includes extensive updates to chapters on epidemiology, etiological considerations, pathophysiology, prediction, prevention, and management - Discusses the emerging roles of metabolic syndrome and obesity and the increasing incidence of preeclampsia - Each section overseen by one of the editors; each chapter co-authored by one of the editors, ensuring coherence throughout book

It discusses holistic information about mammalian endocrinology, and more particularly, about human endocrinology. The text reviews the basic concepts and the scientific understanding of each of the major endocrine glands. Each chapter has been written with a view that a beginner may easily comprehend the subject matter. Endocrine methodologies, wherever appropriate, have been incorporated in chapters, and similarly medical aspects of endocrine or harmonal disorders resulting out of mutational changes in hormone receptors are included, to make the text more interesting. Coverage of topics includes Cell signalling and the mechanism of action of hormones Chemical structure and classes of hormones Reproductive endocrinology Behavioural endocrinology Environmental endocrinology

This book is based on results of the 2010 International Symposium on Dupuytren's disease held in Miami, Florida, but it also includes new data and additional chapters. It is hoped that it will raise awareness of this underestimated condition and promote cooperative efforts to work towards a cure. Up to date information is provided on the epidemiology, biology, and pathology of the disease. The principles and specifics of treatment are explored in detail. The indications for and techniques of radiotherapy, minimally invasive treatments and open surgery are fully explained. The role of physical therapy is considered as well as the care of relapse and complications. The treatment of Ledderhose’s disease and Peyronie’s disease is also discussed. This book provides invaluable information for hand surgeons, podiatrists, orthopedists, radiation therapy specialists and general practitioners. It will help to foster an interdisciplinary approach to the understanding and management of this debilitating disorder.

Comprehensive and clinically relevant, the 3rd Edition of Critical Care Nephrology provides authoritative coverage of the latest advances in critical care procedures for patients with renal diseases or disorders. Using common guidelines and standardized approaches to critically ill patients, this multidisciplinary reference facilitates better communication among all physicians who care for critically ill patients suffering from kidney disease, electrolyte and metabolic imbalances, poisoning, severe sepsis, major organ dysfunction, and other pathological events. - Offers detailed discussions of different forms of organ support, artificial organs, infections, acute illness occurring in chronic hemodialysis patients, and much more. - Places a special emphasis on therapeutic interventions and treatment procedures for a hands on clinical reference tool. - Presents information clearly, in a format designed for easy reference – from basic sciences to clinical syndromes to diagnostic tools. - Covers special populations such as children, diabetic patients, and the elderly. - An exceptional resource for nephrologists, intensivists, surgeons, or critical care physicians – anyone who treats critically ill renal patients. - Shares a combined commitment to excellence lead by Drs. Claudio Ronco, Rinaldo Bellomo, John Kellum, and Zaccaria Ricci – unparalleled leaders in this field. - Addresses key topics with expanded coverage of acute kidney injury, stress biomarkers, and sepsis, including the latest developments on mechanisms and management. - Provides up-to-date information on extracorporeal therapies from new editor Dr. Zaccaria Ricci. - Expert ConsultTM eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices.