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This book aims to highlight the importance of the development of health conditions and demand for the application of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) outside the intensive care units (ICUs); the diversification of possible scenarios outside the ICUs; the need to establish references that consolidate this phenomenon and the healthcare organizations models.In the last decades the extension of the use of NIMV outside of the ICUs has led to the generation of protocols and to the creation of new in-hospital care models. In this field, the main determining factors are a better knowledge of technique, technological advancement, better monitoring capacity, the creation of multidisciplinary teams adequately trained in their application, and social and health events that have overloaded ICUs. All these elements have promoted the creation of these NIMV units outside ICUs. This new reality entails the need for clarification of concepts, recommendations, and analysis of how to planNIMV.Although the literature that clearly determine the indications and aids on the use of NIMV is considerable, this volume, pointing out the diversity of different healthcare models to define how to organize NIMV outside the ICUs, shed a light and bring a clear benefit to the scientific community involved.The book is structured in eleven main sections analyzing the epidemiology and trends for NIMV healthcare models and determining factors for these models outside ICUs.The originality of the work, its clear clinical-practical impact and the multidisciplinary approach given by all healthcare professionals involved (intensivists, pneumologists, internal medicine and emergency medicine specialists, geriatricians, chest respiratory therapists, etc.) is very relevant for the thoroughness of the book.

Cancer treatment is a challenging issue, while the treatment modalities have extended from traditional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to new therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and hormone therapy. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is needed to find a better therapeutic protocols in order to increase the prognosis and quality of life of patients with cancer. The second volume of the “Interdisciplinary Cancer Research” series, entitled “Cancer Treatment: An Interdisciplinary Approach” publishes comprehensive volumes on different cancer treatment modalities and presents the most updated and peer-reviewed articles on cancer therapy. This interdisciplinary series is of special value to researchers and practitioners working on cell biology, immunology, hematology, biochemistry, genetics, oncology and related fields. This is the main concept of Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), which is a part of Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN). This interdisciplinary book will be of special value for researchers and clinicians who wish to extend their knowledge on cancer treatment.

'Meningiomas are tumors that originate from the arachnoidal cap cells of the leptomeninges. With an incidence rate of 8.36 per 100, 000 population, they are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors, accounting for a third of all cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification has traditionally categorized meningiomas into 15 different histopathological subtypes and three clinical grades. Tumors are classified as WHO grades 1, 2 or 3 based largely on histopathological features such as mitotic activity, presence of brain invasion, and other atypical features. However, there is increasing recognition of the limitations of histopathology including but not limited to: confounding factors such as sampling bias in a heterogeneous tumor, and technical factors related to the experience of the grading pathologist. Even with careful histologic grading, there remains significant variability in recurrence rates within each tumor grade. As more studies have uncovered the molecular features of meningiomas, novel biological alterations have helped refine classification schemes that more accurately reflect patient outcomes. This book reviews the current state of knowledge on the genomic and epigenomic landscape of meningiomas in order to identify the roles of genomic aberrations on diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of meningiomas in addition to mainstays of surgical management, radiation therapy, and potential novel chemotherapies. Written by a team of world-renowned experts in neurosurgery, neuropathology, radiology, and radiation-oncology, this book is the definitive resource on meningioma management and investigation for both clinicians and scientists alike.'

This volume focuses on applying the Crispr system in editing the genome of human cells (in vitro and in vivo) and model organisms used in biomedical research. With the advent of Crispr technology, genome editing soon became a procedure of great interest to laboratories worldwide due to its relative ease and accuracy. In biomedical sciences, genome editing by Crispr has already enabled the development of new experimental model systems. In medicine, therapeutic alternatives for the genetic'correction'of diseases have already begun to appear. Therefore, the book's purpose is to bring in a single volume, chapters that show the scientific community in biomedicine, medicine, human genetics, oncology, virology, and parasitology, among others, the advances in genomic editing. In a chapter dedicated to the ethical aspects of human genomic editing, we also address what we can and should do with this (bio)technology. The book chapters were written by productive researchers specializing in Crispr genome editing. The chapters cover the concept of Crispr and genome editing and how to use this new methodology in biomedical research and medicine, among other aspects, including the ethical controversy around its use in humans. The writing of the chapters keeps a specialized language intelligible enough for those who want to introduce themselves to the subject.

This volume of the Springer book series Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology covers potency assays, one of the most complex yet fundamental evaluations that critically influence stem cell regenerative medicine. Developing potency assays for cell-based medicinal products comes with numerous challenges due to the highly specialised nature of the application and purpose. This book provides the reader with the knowledge necessary to understand issues governing the successful development of potency assays, highlighting an international outlook of how the various challenges raised are being managed. Stakeholders concerned with potency assay development range from patient and clinician to contract research organisations, small and medium enterprise, regulatory authorities and even politicians. The value of potency assays is poised to increase given the inevitable watershed as early-stage clinical trials addressing safety progress to trials testing efficacy. Contributors fromclinical, academic, industrial and regulatory sectors establish a broad point of view for guidance and timely debate. Potency assays require extensive collaboration across disciplines and sectors, as well as compromise and the authors aim to constructively address the many key aspects involved.Potency assays provide a quantitative measure of the biological activity of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and thus are required for their market authorization. As the pace of ATMP development accelerates, the need to develop specific, accurate, and robust potency assays for each product is also accelerating. The volume Potency Assays for Stem Cell Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products presents a broad outlook on the development, quality attributes, and implementation of potency assays for ATMPs. The first few chapters introduce a nuanced historical perspective on the science of potency assay development, describe specific quality attributes of an idealized potencyassay, indicate pitfalls associated with developing such assays for ATMPs, and review guidance recommended by regulatory authorities on assay suitability for product approval. Subsequent chapters highlight efforts to develop potency assays for specific ATMPs, including skeletal stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, extracellular vesicles, CAR T-cells, and discuss emerging technologies/platforms for potency assay design. The volume concludes with a chapter reviewing potency assays used for the release of commercial ATMP products, which amalgamates information contained in previous chapters. Overall, the knowledge contributed from leading authorities in both academia and industry is an ideal resource for technicians, scientists, clinicians, process engineers, and regulators working with ATMPs.—Donald G. Phinney, PhD Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology

This book covers a comprehensive update on acute and chronic leukemia. In 54 chapters, authors introduce research progress and clinical trials of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The last decade has seen the integration of genetic and clinical information to determine the prognosis and treatment strategies. This book provides practitioners, researchers and graduate students of Hematology and Hematopathology a comprehensive update on the pathobiology, genomics, classification, diagnosis, monitoring, prognostication and therapy of both acute and chronic leukemias.

The pituitary gland is often referred to as the master gland, coordinating hormonal signals from the hypothalamus and peripheral circulation to maintain homeostasis in the body. Patients with pituitary dysfunction are faced with challenges unique to each stage of their life cycle. For example, the goals of management for a hypopituitary adolescent transitioning to adulthood would be to optimize growth and sexual development. In early adulthood, approaches that optimize of fertility in men and women can be a priority, and the management approach will be very different from that of older adults requiring sex hormone replacement. This case-based guide will provide practical clinical guidance on approaches to the management of pituitary disorders organized by time of life, from childhood and fertile years through to older age. Sensibly divided into sections, various pituitary disorders and conditions are described and relevant treatment strategies are outlined. Sections included discussions of the unique considerations for the pituitary gland in childhood and adolescents, patients desiring fertility and pregnant patients, health optimization and non-tumoral diagnoses in adults, and management of disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in the elderly. Each chapter presents a clinical case vignette as an introduction to the concepts and a framework for the discussion of the diagnosis, management and unique consideration of each pituitary pathology. Practical and user-friendly, Pituitary Disorders throughout the Life Cycle is an excellent resource for practicing clinical endocrinologists (pediatric, transitional care, adult) and reproductive endocrinologists as well as specialty residents and trainees.

This book presents the clinical scope of cancer immunotherapeutic agents for solid tumors and Hematologic malignancies, elaborates on the scientific details of their modes of action, and presents the impact of these agents on oncology, patients and the broader healthcare system. At present, cancer immunotherapies fall broadly into three categories: immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive T cell therapies, and cancer vaccines which have distinct mechanisms of action. Immune checkpoint inhibitors rely upon disrupting tumor antigen recognition as self by the immune system through inhibition of checkpoint molecules. Adoptive T cell therapies involve the engineering of T cells ex vivo to target and destroy tumor cells.The first part of this book will provide an overview of the discovery and mechanistic details of the technology. The second part will be devoted to elaborating on the clinical outcomes, successes and limitations for specific tumor subtypes, which includes bothsolid tumors and hematologic malignances for both pediatric and adult populations. As such, the book offers a valuable resource for oncologists, hematologists, and all those seeking an up-to-date overview of cancer immunotherapies.

Now, it its second edition, this book summarizes the role of immune cells in tumor suppression and progression. It describes in detail why tumor cells can survive and spread in spite of the antitumor response of immune cells. Since immunotherapy is an attractive approach to cancer therapy, this book also provides information on the two main strategies: monoclonal antibodies and adaptive T cell immunotherapy, with a focus on recent human clinical trials. A newly added chapter also focuses on the role of Natural Killer cells in tumor progression. The book provides a state-of-the-art, comprehensive overview of immune cells in cancer and is an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners working or lecturing in the field of cancer research and immunology.

This first open access European CAR-T Handbook, co-promoted by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the European Hematology Association (EHA), covers several aspects of CAR-T cell treatments, including the underlying biology, indications, management of side-effects, access and manufacturing issues. This book, written by leading experts in the field to enhance readers'knowledge and practice skills, provides an unparalleled overview of the CAR-T cell technology and its application in clinical care, to enhance readers'knowledge and practice skills.

This highly readable textbook serves as a concise and engaging primer to the emerging field of antibody engineering and its various applications. It introduces readers to the basic science and molecular structure of antibodies, and explores how to characterize and engineer them. Readers will find an overview of the latest methods in antibody identification, improvement and biochemical engineering. Furthermore, alternative antibody formats and bispecific antibodies are discussed.The book's content is based on lectures for the specializations “Protein Engineering” and “Medical Biotechnology” within the Master's curriculum in “Biotechnology.” The lectures have been held at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, in cooperation with the Medical University of Vienna, since 2012 and are continuously adapted to reflect the latest developments in the field. The book addresses Master- and PhD students in biotechnology, molecular biology and immunology, and all those who are interested in antibody engineering.

This updated and expanded edition developed by the Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant team at Oregon Health & Science University Knight Cancer Institute features the latest medical management guidelines and standards of care for hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cellular therapy patients. Spanning the timeline from the initial consultation throughout the transplant process, this handbook begins by providing a general overview of stem cell transplantation and goes on to outline disease-specific indications for stem cell transplantation. It then focuses on transplant complications and ongoing care, and finally explores cellular therapies for hematologic malignancies.Comprehensive and easy-to-use, Blood and Marrow Transplant Handbook: Comprehensive Guide for Patient Care, Third Edition presents a multidisciplinary approach to information for physicians and advanced practice medical providers as well as residents, fellows, and other trainees who care for patients who undergo transplant and immune effector cell therapy.

This book presents an overview of the current state of research on ultrashort electric field pulses of high intensity and their use in biology and medicine. It examines in detail the most recent and exciting advances in how nanosecond and picosecond electric pulse research has grown and expanded into new areas of biology and medicine. Further, the book specifically focuses on electric pulses in the time domain, on intracellular effects as opposed to plasma membrane electroporation, and highlights the biological and medical applications of these unique pulse effects. Since the authors were initial innovators exploring nanosecond and picosecond pulses, their unique perspectives foreshadowed directions the research took, expanding into new areas that they continue to investigate today.

Mathematical, statistical, and computational methods enable multi-disciplinary approaches that catalyse discovery. Together with experimental methods, they identify key hypotheses, define measurable observables and reconcile disparate results. This volume collects a representative sample of studies in T cell immunology that illustrate the benefits of modelling-experimental collaborations and which have proven valuable or even ground-breaking. Studies include thymic selection, T cell repertoire diversity, T cell homeostasis in health and disease, T cell-mediated immune responses, T cell memory, T cell signalling and analysis of flow cytometry data sets. Contributing authors are leading scientists in the area of experimental, computational, and mathematical immunology. Each chapter includes state-of-the-art and pedagogical content, making this book accessible to readers with limited experience in T cell immunology and/or mathematical and computational modelling.

This book is an amalgamation of knowledge, experience, and expertise in various aspects of nanotechnology, by experts who are proficient in designing of novel nanoformulations that are used in the treatment of various challenging and prevalent diseases. It is an exhaustive compilation of the multi-faceted arena of nanoformulations and the healthcare system that caters to the needs of academicians, scholars, researchers etc. The most important aspect of the book covers various types of nanoformulations and their applications in treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Each chapter focuses on a particular nanoformulation as well as a disease including the pathophysiology of the disease, the current treatment modalities of diseases, the role of nanoformulation in treatment and other future aspects and directions for further work. Coverage includes neuropathic pain, colon targeting, nose-to-brain drug delivery, skin cancer, arthritis and tuberculosis.

Revealing essential roles of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, this book focuses on the role of hematopoietic components of the tumor microenvironment. Further, it teaches readers about the roles of distinct constituents of the tumor microenvironment and how they affect cancer development. Topics include eosinophils, NK cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T Cells, Langerhans cells, hematopoietic stem cells, Mast cells, B cells and Microglia, and more. Taken alongside its companion volumes, Tumor Microenvironment: Hematopoietic Cells – Part B updates us on what we know about various aspects of the tumor microenvironment as well as future directions. This book is essential reading for advanced cell biology and cancer biology students as well as researchers seeking an update on research in the tumor microenvironment.

This book offers a comprehensive review of recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, and explores the value and limitations of the most effective current therapeutic strategies and emerging treatment modalities. It discusses in detail the successes achieved using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), including developments with regard to conjugated mAbs and also bispecific mAbs as novel treatment options for leukemia and solid tumors. It also examines the advances toward personalized immunotherapy, focusing on the effectiveness of adoptive cell therapy using genetically engineered T cells with tumor-associated antigen-specific T-cell receptors and chimeric antigen receptors, as well as the role of tailored vaccines based on the patient's cancer mutanome. Further, it describes the impressive therapeutic results recently achieved with checkpoint inhibitors, and analyzes novel strategies to modulate the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Written by leading international experts and providing up-to-date information on emerging strategies, such as oncolytic virus-based therapy, epigenetic therapy, and combination therapy, the book appeals to all those with an interest in immunotherapy as it comes of age.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease and overwhelmingly increasing experimental evidence has helped us to develop a deeper understanding of the role of signal transduction cascades in cancer development and progression. Tissue microarrays and next generation sequencing technologies have assisted us to gather missing pieces of jigsaw puzzle and we now know that deregulation of spatio-temporally controlled signaling cascades play fundamental role in metastasis and resistance against wide ranging therapeutics.This book offers a balanced overview of the rapidly emerging cutting edge research in molecular oncology and good source of knowledge for established oncologists, basic and medical students and pharmaceutical industry associated R&D departments.

This volume, a state-of-the-art review of early phase clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy, discusses biomarker selection, combinatorial strategies and their safety or toxicity, determination of Phase 2 dosing, endpoints in the setting of radiographic pseudoprogression, histology selection, and novel immunotherapeutics as they relate to early phase cancer immunotherapy.

The tumor microenvironment has become a very important and hot topic in cancer research within the past few years. The tumor microenvironment is defined as the normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels that surround and feed a tumor cell. As many scientists have realized, studying the tumor microenvironment has become critical to moving the field forward, since there are many players in a tumor's localized and surrounding area, which can significantly change cancer cell behavior. There is a dual relationship wherein the tumor can change its microenvironment and the microenvironment can affect how a tumor grows and spreads. Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression and Cancer Therapy aims to shed light on the mechanisms, factors, and mediators that are involved in the cancer cell environment. Recent studies have demonstrated that in addition to promoting tumor progression and protecting tumor cells from the spontaneous immune-mediated rejection and different forms of cancer therapeutics, tumor microenvironment can also be a target and mediator of both standard and newly-emerging forms of cancer therapeutics. Thus, the dual role of the tumor microenvironment is the integral focus of the volume. The volume highlights the bi-directional interactions between tumor cells and non-malignant tumor component during tumor progression and treatment. It also focuses on the three groups of the reactive tumor component: stromal cells, blood vessels and the infiltrating immune cells. These three groups are discussed under the lens of their role in promoting tumor growth, shielding the tumor from rejection and from standard forms of cancer therapies. They are emerging as targets and mediators of standard and new forms of potential therapy.

This volume explores microRNA function in a wide array of human disorders, providing a clinical basis for precision medicine and personalized therapies using these molecules. The twenty-one chapters, all authored by internationally-renowned experts, open with an introduction contextualizing microRNA manipulation within today's initiatives towards precision medicine. The following chapters explore the clinical role of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, focusing on mitochondrial fitness, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, and kidney transplantation. The subsequent chapters discuss the importance of microRNAs in the wound healing process and in skin disease, in the pathogenesis of allergy, in human ovulation, and in infection. The book concludes with chapters which outline the emerging role of microRNAS in doping and detail microRNA profiling.microRNA: Medical Evidence is an ideal companion to both microRNA: Basic Scienceand microRNA: Cancer. Taken together, these three books provide a state-of-the-art overview of this rapidly-expanding and fascinating field, from themolecular level to clinical practice. It will be invaluable to medical students, physicians, and researchers, as a complete and unique guide in the exploration of microRNA in basic science, cancer and clinical practice.

This translational book describes in detail the clinical application of novel approaches in cancer immunotherapy with the aim of educating clinicians in the implications of the most recent research and new developments in the field. The scope is broad, encompassing, for example, prognostic biomarkers for personalized cancer treatment, strategies for targeting tumor immunosuppression, gene therapy, virus-based vaccines, targeting of cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the role of T lymphocytes in cancer immunotherapy, use of monoclonal antibodies, and many more innovative approaches. Clinical immunologists, hematologists, and oncologists in particular will find the book to be of value in expanding their knowledge. The book is the second in a three-volume series, Cancer Immunology, which offers an up-to-date review of cancer immunology and immunotherapy. The remaining volumes focus on the immunopathology of cancers and cancer immunotherapy for organ-specific tumors. In total the series, designed for both clinicians and researchers, includes contributions from more than 250 scientists working at leading universities and institutes from across the world.

This book covers a broad area of engineering research in translational medicine. Leaders in academic institutions around the world contributed focused chapters on a broad array of topics such as: cell and tissue engineering (6 chapters), genetic and protein engineering (10 chapters), nanoengineering (10 chapters), biomedical instrumentation (4 chapters), and theranostics and other novel approaches (4 chapters). Each chapter is a stand-alone review that summarizes the state-of-the-art of the specific research area.Engineering in Translational Medicine gives readers a comprehensive and in-depth overview of a broad array of related research areas, making this an excellent reference book for scientists and students both new to engineering/translational medicine and currently working in this area. The ability for engineering approaches to change biomedical research are increasing and having significant impact. Development of basic assays and their numerous applications are allowing for many new discoveries and should eventually impact human health. This book brings together many diverse yet related topics to give the reader a solid overview of many important areas that are not found together elsewhere. Dr. Weibo Cai has taken great care to select key research leaders of many sub-disciplines who have put together very detailed chapters that are easy to read yet highly rich in content. _______________This book brings together many diverse yet related topics to give the reader a solid overview of many important areas that are not found together elsewhere. Dr. Weibo Cai has taken great care to select key research leaders of many sub-disciplines who have put together very detailed chapters that are easy to read yet highly rich in content. It is very exciting to see such a great set of chapters all together to allow one to have a key understanding of many different areas including cell, gene, protein, and nano engineering aswell as the emerging field of theranostics. I am sure the readers will find this collection of important chapters helpful in their own research and understanding of how engineering has and will continue to play a critical role in biomedical research and clinical translation. Sanjiv Sam Gambhir M.D., Ph.D.Stanford University, USA Engineering in Translational Medicine is a landmark book bridging the fields of engineering and medicine with a focus on translational technologies and methods. In a single, well-coordinated volume, this book brings together contributions from a strong and international scientific cast, broadly covering the topics. The book captures the tremendous opportunities made possible by recent developments in bioengineering, and highlights the potential impact of these advances across a broad spectrum of pressing health care needs. The book can equally serve as a text for graduate level courses, a reference source, a book to be dipped into for pleasure by those working within the field, or a cover-to-cover read for those wanting a comprehensive, yet readable introduction to the current state of engineering advances and how they are impacting translational medicine. Simon R. Cherry, Ph.D.University of California, Davis, USA

This book will be a comprehensive study of the lymphatic system and its immunological role. It will begin with lymphatic capillaries, their origin and development. It will treat lymph circulation, in general, with a special emphasis on lymph circulation in parenchymal organs. The next section will address lymph nodes, subcortical circulation and the conduit system. It will discuss organs with no lymphatic system, such as the brain. Finally, it will cover lymph composition and cells in the lymph. While primarily basic research, the volume will touch upon elements of the clinical, as well, broadening its scope and appeal.​

Long acting veterinary formulations play a significant role in animal health, production and reproduction within the animal health industry. Such technologies offer beneficial advantages to the veterinarian, farmer and pet owner. These advantages have resulted in them growing in popularity in recent years. The pharmaceutical scientist is faced with many challenges when innovating new products in this demanding field of controlled release. This book provides the reader with a comprehensive guide on the theories, applications, and challenges associated with the design and development of long acting veterinary formulations. The authoritative chapters of the book are written by some of the leading experts in the field. The book covers a wide scope of areas including the market influences, preformulation, biopharmaceutics, in vitro drug release testing and specification setting to name but a few. It also provides a detailed overview of the major technological advancesmade in this area. As a result this book covers everything a formulation scientist in industry or academia, or a student needs to know about this unique drug delivery field to advance health, production and reproduction treatment options and benefits for animals worldwide.

The human–animal bond has evolved and diversi?ed down the ages. Dogs, cats and even horses, have long ful?lled the role of faithful companion and indeed, as exempli?ed by the introduction of seeing and hearing dogs, there may be a critical level of co-dependency between the species. In the twenty-?rst century, the animal types that are kept as pets in many parts of the world are extensive ranging from reptiles through rodents to ruminants and beyond. As would be predicted by the nature of the relationship, the approach to treatment of a companion animal is often closely aligned to that which would have been offered to their owner. However, an increasing awareness of welfare issues, such as the recognition that animals expe- ence pain and the proven bene?ts of disease prevention in intensive farming units, together with the growth in zoos and wildlife parks, has increased the likelihood of food producing and non-domesticated animals receiving medicinal products during their life-time. Although many of the individual drugs or classes of drugs administered to animals are the same as, or derived from, those given to man, the safe and effective use of drugs in animals often cannot be achieved by simply transposing knowledge of drug action on, or behaviour in, the body from one species to another. The impact of the anatomical, physiological and pathophysiological variability that spans the animal kingdom can often profoundly alter drug response.

Clinical endocrinology is a fascinating field requiring the challenging combination of broad pathophysiological interest and specific expertise in the field of endocrinology, thereby occupying a common ground between biochemistry, physiology and clinical medicine. In the majority of cases the clinician's notion of the presence of an endocrine disease is largely based upon pattern recognition, in which physical changes play an important role. Therefore many color illustrations have been included throughout the text. In addition there are many full color graphs and illustrations of diagnostic imaging and pathology. With over 350 illustrations the book represents a richly illustrated text on the diseases of endocrine glands. For each gland there is an introductory section on the relevant morphology and physiology, followed by descriptions of the disorders of the gland. When endocrine diseases are quite different in dogs and cats, separate descriptions are given for these species. Protocols for function tests and emergency treatments are presented in the last chapters. Consequently the book provides the user with both comprehensive descriptions and quick references. The book has been written by leading clinicians in the field, with contributions from two biochemists, a radiologist and pathologist. As such a valuable textbook for veterinary students and practitioners has been compiled to fulfil the need for an up-to-date and complete book on endocrine diseases of dogs and cats.