Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been recognized primarily as autocrine/paracrine factors that regulate embryonic development and organogenesis. However, recent studies have revealed that some FGFs function as endocrine factors and regulate various metabolic processes in adulthood. Such FGFs, collectively called endocrine FGFs, are comprised of three members (FGF15/19, FGF21, and FGF23: FGF15 is the mouse ortholog of human FGF19). These endocrine FGFs share a common structural feature that enables the endocrine mode of action at the expense of the affinity to FGF receptors. To restore the affinity to FGF receptors in their target organs, the endocrine FGFs have designated the Klotho family of transmembrane proteins as obligate co-receptors. By expressing Klothos in a tissue-specific manner, this unique co-receptor system also enables the endocrine FGFs to specify their target organs among many tissues that express FGF receptors.

"The Handbook is intended to be a service to the neuroscience community, to help in finding available and useful information, to point out gaps in our knowledge, and to encourage continued studies. It represents the valuable contributions of the many authors of the chapters and the guidance of the editors and most important, it represents support for research in this discipline. Based on the rapid advances in the years since the second edition."--Publisher's website.

Most people have some interest in embryos; this probably results, in part, from their interest in understanding the biological origins of themselves and their offspring and, increasingly, concerns about how environmental change such as pollution might affect human development. Obviously, et- cal considerations preclude experimental studies of human embryos and, c- sequently, the developmental biologist has turned to other species to examine this process. Fortunately, the most significant conclusion to be drawn from the experimental embryology of the last two decades is the manner in which orthologous or closely related molecules are deployed to mediate similar - velopmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The molecular mechanisms regulating processes fundamental to most animals, such as axial patterning or axon guidance, are frequently conserved during evolution. (It is now widely believed that the differences between phyla and classes are the result of new genes, arising mostly by duplication and divergence of extant sequences, regulating the appearance of derived characters. ) Other vertebrates are obviously most likely to use the same devel- mental mechanisms as humans and, within the vertebrate subphylum, the - parent degree of conservation of developmental mechanism is considerable. It has long been recognized that particular vertebrate species offer either d- tinct advantages in investigating particular stages of development or are - pecially amenable to particular manipulations. No single animal can provide all the answers because not all types of experiments can be carried out on a single species.

Written and edited by internationally recognised leaders in the field, the new edition of the Oxford Textbook of Oncology has been fully revised and updated, taking into consideration the advancements in each of the major therapeutic areas, and representing the multidisciplinary management of cancer. Structured in six sections, the book provides an accessible scientific basis to the key topics of oncology, examining how cancer cells grow and function, as well as discussing the aetiology of cancer, and the general principles governing modern approaches to oncology treatment. The book examines the challenges presented by the treatment of cancer on a larger scale within population groups, and the importance of recognising and supporting the needs of individual patients, both during and after treatment. A series of disease-oriented, case-based chapters, ranging from acute leukaemia to colon cancer, highlight the various approaches available for managing the cancer patient, including the translational application of cancer science in order to personalise treatment. The advice imparted in these cases has relevance worldwide, and reflects a modern approach to cancer care. The Oxford Textbook of Oncology provides a comprehensive account of the multiple aspects of best practice in the discipline, making it an indispensable resource for oncologists of all grades and subspecialty interests.

The Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders is a comprehensive reference work on movement disorders, encompassing a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and pharmacology. This compilation will feature more than 300 focused entries, including sections on different disease states, pathophysiology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, as well as discussions on relevant basic science topics. This Encyclopedia is an essential addition to any collection, written to be accessible for both the clinical and non-clinical reader. Academic clinicians, translational researchers and basic scientists are brought together to connect experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology and treatment of movement disorders. The Encyclopedia targets a broad readership, ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists and Movement Disorder specialists. Published both in print and via Elsevier’s online platform of Science Direct, this Encyclopedia will have the enhanced option of integrating traditional print with online multimedia. Connects experimental findings made in the laboratory to the clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment of movement disorders Encompasses a wide variety of topics in neurology neurosurgery, psychiatry, and pharmacology Written for a broad readership ranging from students to general physicians, basic scientists, and movement disorder specialists

Evidence generated by a number of genetic studies indicates that growth is regulated by a number of genes and that interference with their expression can have catastrophic effects on the well being of the whole organism. This work covers skeletal development and growth.