Hype Or Hope New Frontiers In Endometrial Research

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.

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.

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

Cancer cell biology research in general, and anti-cancer drug development specifically, still relies on standard cell culture techniques that place the cells in an unnatural environment. As a consequence, growing tumor cells in plastic dishes places a selective pressure that substantially alters their original molecular and phenotypic properties.The emerging field of regenerative medicine has developed bioengineered tissue platforms that can better mimic the structure and cellular heterogeneity of in vivo tissue, and are suitable for tumor bioengineering research. Microengineering technologies have resulted in advanced methods for creating and culturing 3-D human tissue. By encapsulating the respective cell type or combining several cell types to form tissues, these model organs can be viable for longer periods of time and are cultured to develop functional properties similar to native tissues. This approach recapitulates the dynamic role of cell–cell, cell–ECM, and mechanical interactions inside the tumor. Further incorporation of cells representative of the tumor stroma, such as endothelial cells (EC) and tumor fibroblasts, can mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment. Collectively, bioengineered tumors create an important resource for the in vitro study of tumor growth in 3D including tumor biomechanics and the effects of anti-cancer drugs on 3D tumor tissue. These technologies have the potential to overcome current limitations to genetic and histological tumor classification and development of personalized therapies.

This text includes sections on anatomy, normal and abnormal physiology, investigation techniques, inflammatory conditions and treatment options. The international panel of contributors is at the forefront of research in the field; the editors have assembled these contributors and topics that span the entire range of pelvic floor disorders in women. Throughout, the emphasis is on an evidence-based approach to the treatment of pelvic floor problems. Indispensable for gynecologists and urologists.