Book Description

Winner of the Will Solimene Award of Excellence in Medical Communication from the American Medical Writers Association

Generations at Risk presents compelling evidence that human exposure to some toxic chemicals can have lifelong and even intergenerational effects on human reproduction and development. The result of a collaboration involving public health professionals, physicians, environmental educators, and policy advocates, this book examines how scientific, social, economic, and political systems may fail to protect us from environmental and occupational toxicants. It is an important sourcebook for those concerned about their own health and that of their loved ones, as well as for medical and public health workers, community activists, policymakers, and industrial decision makers.

Humans and ecosystems in the United States are subject to potential exposure to more than 75,000 synthetic chemicals, most of which are poorly tested or untested for human health effects. The authors focus on classes of chemicals that people may be exposed to at work, at home, and in their communities. These include toxic metals, organic solvents, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors. In addition to providing scientific information with which to assess the health risks of many chemicals, the book provides a guide to the current regulatory system and resources for action. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Valuable Compendium of Risk
Generations at Risk is a perfect blend of science and advocacy. Not just for the more technically minded reader, it addresses not only comprehensive reviews of chemicals and their effects, but includes the rationale of policy makers, industry, and the public. Excellent desk reference of history and science for anyone concerned with the dangers of chemical exposure. ... Read more

Book Description

Benirschke's Pathology of the Human Placenta has become the gold standard in the field, lauded by pathologists and obstetrician-gynecologists alike.

Of the third edition, "This fine book must necessarily be available to anyone who deals with placental pathology. Benirschke, who is widely acknowledged as the leading authority in the field of human placental pathology, has produced the most complete... description of placental lesions today."--Modern Pathology

Completely up-to-date, the fourth edition continues to be the essential reference for professionals in the field. ... Read more

Book Description

In The Facts of Life, Harold Morowitz and James Trefil, two distinguished scientists and science writers, examine what modern biology can contribute to our understanding of the abortion debate. Sensitive to the myriad ethical and religious arguments beyond the realm of science that swirl around abortion, the authors focus on one crucial question--when does a fetus acquire "humanness," that quality that sets us apart from all other living things. While humans are linked via cell structure and cell chemistry with all life on our planet--from monkeys to fruit flys to pumpkins--it is the human brain structure which makes us who we are. Reviewing the latest advances in molecular biology, evolutionary biology, embryology, neurophysiology, and neonatology--fields that all bear on this question--the authors reveal a surprising consensus of scientific opinion; that humanness begins around the twenty-forth week of gestation when connections needed for brain function are finally made. A fascinating inquiry, moving across various scientific disciplines, The Facts of Life makes a valuable contribution to the continuing abortion controversy, and offers a fascinating glimpse of what makes us uniquely human. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Facts the Pro-Life side needs but will ignor
Morowitz and Trefil (M&T I shall call them), two teachers at Geo Mason Univ started this short monograph as a friend of the court brief for one of the many abortion cases to reach the Supreme Court, so that the justices might have scientifically accurate and factual information to work with in some of their decisions. When Justice O'Connor made her famous statement to the effect that Roe v. Wade was a decision which was being overtaken by scientific advances in neonatology which were making survival of ever more immature infants possible, she did not have available reliable information of the sort M&T have put forth in this small gem of a book. I have been involved in providing abortion in my Ob/Gyn practice for a very long time and have made a serious and ongoing effort to educate both the public and my medical colleagues about the abortion controversy since 1984. One of the most difficult things for the average layperson, and even for physicians, to get a handle on has been exactly why 24 weeks gestational age of the fetus should make such a difference in the abortion debate. M&T have done everyone except for the militant anti-abortion fundamentalists a tremendous service by bringing together most of the scientific knowledge which bears on fetal development as it pertains to the higher functons of the central nervous system and newborn survival. As they state in the introduction to The Facts of Life, while the two sides in the abortion controversy will never admit to the validity of the conclusions drawn by the other side, we should at least have accurate information upon which to draw those conclusions. Morowitz and Trefil had done us a true service by providing much valuable information. wfh

Science Versus Conservative Christian Assertions
I see that a conservative Christian discovered the book, or this reference to it, and was afraid of what they encountered. Unfortunately for him, or her, this book is valuable precisely because it reveals the gaping fallacies in the antiabortion argument, and how its so-called "natural law" theory falls afoul of empirical verification of embryological development, which they always selectively cite. Pro-choice readers, buy this book!! I

a scientific attempt to distort the quality of life
In brief, the following book tends back the pro-choice movement with cheap opinionated evidence of science. It attempts to supersede Gods law, and replace it with mans law. Additionally, the book conveys a grave an immoral message to its readers.Contrary to natural law, it states that by petty scientific proof, society can determine whether a fetus is human or not. Obviously, this book chooses to disregard Gods message-"It is immoral to produce HUMAN embyros intended for exploitation as disposable biological material". Not only is it futile to misinterpet the above, but it is simply a crime for pro-murderous writers to generate wimpy, relitivistic propoganda intended to distort the human race.

Rigorous Scientfic Defence of Reproductive Choice
This book is one of the classics of the modern pro-choice movement, and ranks alongside Petchesky's socialist-humanist philosophical defence of reproductive freedom, and Beverly Harrison's pro-choice theological dissection of anti-abortion moral and theological premises. Trefil and Morowitz argue that anti-abortionists are seriously scientifically flawed in their argument that prenatal development is autonomous and independent from women's bodies and social context, and do so in a rigorous manner. This book is a must-have for any informed pro-choice reader, although no amount of critical scientific detail can convince the neo-Aristotleans of the anti-abortion movement. ... Read more

Book Description

Is there a such thing as a universal right to have children? Should medical assistance to have children be available to everyone? Are all methods of assisted reproduction legitimate? Mary Warnock steers a clear path through the web of complex issues underlying these questions. She analyzes what it means to claim something as a 'right,' examines the ethical problems faced by particular types of assisted reproduction, including artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and surrogacy, and argues that in the future human cloning may well become a viable and acceptable form of treatment for some types of infertility. ... Read more

Book Description

The role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of disease is an area of research offering exciting challenges for scientists developing new disease interventions. Cytokines are proteins secreted by immune and inflammatory cells that circulate in the blood or extracellular space and bind to specific receptors activating a cascade of intracellular signals, which ultimately affect the growth, differentiation, and viability of cells. The effect of too little or too much of an individual cytokine or cytokines as a potential source of disease has led to novel treatment strategies designed to control the processes affecting cytokine levels.

Cytokines in Human Reproduction is the first reference to examine the role and effect of cytokines in reproduction, specifically how they cause (and prevent) disease. Edited by one of the foremost authorities in reproductive immunology, this important work includes the latest in cytokine research from leading specialists. In its thirteen chapters the book includes discussion of cytokines in both testicular and ovarian function, cytokines in early pregnancy, cytokines in disease development (uterine leiomyomas and tumors) as well as:
* The role of psycho-neuro-endocrine immunology in reproduction
* Cytokine networks in the human placenta
* Cytokines in the human fallopian tube
* Cytokines in the peritoneal environment
* Cytokines in endometriosis
* Oncogenes and growth factors in gynecologic oncology

Authoritative and up-to-date, Cytokines in Human Reproduction offers the first comprehensive look at cytokines in reproductive science and is a valuable resource in the library of the maternal-fetal specialist, reproductive immunologist, obstetrician/gynecologist as well as researcher or student. ... Read more

Book Description

Rebecca Cook, Bernard Dickens, and Mahmoud Fathalla, leading international authorities on reproductive medicine, human rights, medical law, and bioethics, integrate their disciplines to provide an accessible but comprehensive introduction to reproductive and sexual health.They analyze fifteen case-studies, representing a wide array of recurrent problems, focusing particularly on resource-poor settings. Approaches to resolution are considered at clinical and health system levels. They also consider the kinds of social change that would relieve the underlying conditions of reproductive health dilemmas. ... Read more

Book Description

What is cloning and why is the idea of it so disturbing? Why has the birth of `Dolly' the sheep provoked such furious debate through the world? In Clones, Genes, and Immortality , John Harris, an internationally renown figure in the field of bioethics, looks at the ethical issues surrounding the revolution in biology which has provided scientists with an unprecedented ability to control human evolution. From designer babies to genetic screening by employers, his book provides a stimulating introduction to the present concerns about the rapid pace of developments in human biotechnology. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A calm, rational approach
Discussions and debates on the ethics of genetic engineering these days are frequently accompanied by ridicule and vituperation. An objective observer interested in the issues may be revolted by this situation, and with complete justification. Genetic engineering is a powerful technology, and its ramifications for all life on Earth, both human and non-human, entail that everyone, especially those directly involved in its practice, be very aware of the deep moral issues involved in its use. Scare tactics by those against genetic engineering, exaggerated claims by those supporting it, and very bitter verbal and written exchanges have characterized both sides of the debate, and therefore a calm, rational approach is gravely needed.

The author takes such an approach in this book, and this makes it one of the few in print that would be of interest to those readers who want to take a look at the issues without any masks. The author is clearly supportive of genetic engineering, but that is not to say that every reader will finish the book with the same attitude as the author, for the clarity in which he poses his arguments may allow a reader to formulate alternative points of view. There are many interesting discussions in the book, and it will no doubt, if read with an open, scientific mind, serve as a refreshing alternative to current ones on the subject.

Another virtue of the book is that a reader need not be an expert in genetics in order to follow the presentation, for the author defines the necessary terminology. For example, very early in the book he is careful to differentiate between genetic manipulations of the 'somatic line' and those of the 'germ line', the former limited to cells of individuals and not inherited by their progeny, the latter effecting the genomes of individuals and their offspring. Germ line manipulation has been the main topic of confrontation, although somatic line manipulation has also taken a hit recently, due to some problems that have arisen with gene therapies.

Many possible scenarios and consequences of genetic engineering are overviewed in the book. For example, the author discusses the possibility, which has been done with various animals, of inserting additional genes into human beings, creating then a 'transgenic' human, this being done primarily to enhance various capabilities. The author though is quick to point out that such procedures have not yet been perfected for use in humans and may therefore be dangerously disruptive. Another fascinating possibility discussed in the book is 'parthenogenesis', this being the process in which unfertilzed human eggs can be stimulated to grow without fertilization, giving a near clone of the mother. He also notes though that there is some evidence that parthenogenetically stimulated embryos are not easily implanted.

These two examples are an illustration of the fact that all through the book the author exhibits a keen intellectual honesty about the issues at hand, carefully noting what is possible now and what is not for biotechnology. He is well aware that developments in genetic engineering come very quickly, and one must therefore exhibit diligence of the highest order. He also though presents a strong case for doing genetic engineering, in both humans and non-humans. Its possibilities are awesome for the quality of all life on the entire planet.

The technology of genetic engineering should be of concern to everyone alive today, and after studying this book, readers will gain much insight into its ramifications and its ethical foundations. More extensive research and testing will no doubt prove the viability of genetic engineering in most cases of interest. Those techniques proved unsafe or not viable should be abandoned without hesitation, but those showing promise should be used or applied immediately, with no guilt or hesitation. The new species of animals and plants, the new disease cures, and the ability to select the genetic makeup of offspring and even to eventually bring about transgenic humans, are some of the most exciting possibilities to contemplate for genetic engineering.

Shortly after the advent of flight, its critics stated that "if humans were meant to fly they would have had wings".

But (some) humans will eventually have wings....and they will fly.

The "Abomination and Desolation" is here; flee to the hills!
Oh boy. If you want confirmation of the apocalyptic cul-de-sac of secular humanism, read this book. A Brave New World, indeed! Writing as a senior member of numerous governmental and academic bodies that will ultimately decide upon the applications and limitations of genetic technologies, John Harris turns our moral code upside down. Among other sickening things he advocates are the genetic screening for disabilities in fetuses and subsequent abortions thereof, as well as the deliberate cultivation of fetuses as organ banks in adult humans. He lambastes a critic, Jeremy Rifkin, who is against the genetic crossings of humans and animals by claiming that the latter holds a "mystical" belief in the necessity of the separation of various species. What is more, he discounts the possibilities of authoritarian societies or leaders using cloning technologies for malicious ends. Yikes. Even though I am not myself a religious person, this kind of stuff looks like the "abomination and the desolation" to me; its almost enough to send me running for the hills. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a large-format colour-illustrated guide to human reproduction, best described by the authors themselves: "This book offers accessible information about the anatomy of men and women, the physiological steps that lead to conception and gestation and birth, and the means we have to control these events. We hope that high school and college students, young adults, men and women facing decisions about fertility, and the clinicians who care for them will use this book's illustrations and text to pierce the mystery and misinformation that sometimes surrounds these issues. By taking readers step-by-step through the development of egg and sperm, fertilization, implantation, embryonic and fetal growth, and birth as well as methods of birth control, termination of pregnancy, treatment for infertile couples, and menopause, this book hopes to contribute to both the knowledge and the awe that surround human reproduction." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best illustrated book on human reproduction
I am a librarian and have purchased any number of copies. Factual, detailed, interesting and accessible from teens through medical students. Highly recommended.

The miracle of pregnancy in beautiful words and pictures
This is a beautifully illustrated, beautifully written volume that clearly, simply, and elegantly explains the miraculous process of conception, pregnancy and birth. A remarkable marriage of words and pictures that should be required reading for every expectant mother and father. ... Read more

Book Description

Ovulation is a key event in the female mammalian reproductive cycle, yet the process of ovulation itself remains poorly understood. Much of our knowledge comes from studies of laboratory rodents or domestic farm animals, with more recent human studies focusing on problems of fertility or in vitro fertilization. This volume integrates the vast available literature from both animal and human systems to provide a comprehensive summary highlighting the key role played by the oocytes in all stages of ovulation. ... Read more

Book Description

Finally, a concise and practical guide to reproductive endocrinology and infertility for the non-specialist!

Written and designed especially for use by the ob/gyn clinician in general practice, Essential Reproductive Medicine addresses the full range of reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) issues, from the fundamentals of reproductive medicine through disorders of the endocrine system, infertility, contraception, and menopause. Featuring the insights of the world’s leading authorities, Essentials is clinically focused and logically organized, to reflect how the clinician should approach the REI patient.

STATE-OF-THE-ART COVERAGE INCLUDES:
*Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the infertile couple, including male infertility
*Disorders of the endocrine system, including sexual development, puberty, the adrenal and thyroid glands, polycystic ovarian disease and obesity
*Endometriosis and tubal disease
*Clinical trials for reproductive medicine
*Assisted reproductive technologies
*Recurrent pregnancy loss
*Hormonal and non-hormonal contraception
*Perimenopause/Transition
*The benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy
*Alternative treatments for aging women including phytoestrogens and herbals
*And much more

FEATURES:
*Easy-to-use format enhances readability, and speeds access to specific information, maximizing comprehension of even the most difficult topics
*Highly focused chapters guide you systematically through evaluation, diagnosis, and management
*Handy tables highlight differential diagnoses, clinical features, and appropriate lab evaluation
*“Key Points" summarizes each chapter’s critical information
*Targeted, high-yield reference lists assist further research or study

Designed for optimal clinical utility, Essential Reproductive Medicine provides authoritative guidance to REI, and serves as a concise yet comprehensive, and highly affordable alternative to existing tomes in the literature. ... Read more

Book Description

"Office-Based Infertility Practice" is an invaluable resource to all physicians treating infertile couples. The text emphasizes the practice of infertility in the office setting, reflecting the current trend away from the hospital into the outpatient environment. The most current and advanced therapies available are discussed by recognized experts in the field.The first half of the book is devoted to the evaluation and work-up of the infertile couple, including evaluation of the male, female, age-related infertility factors, and the roles of ultrasound, endometrium saline sonography, falloposcopy and diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The second half of the book presents the treatment and operative procedures for the infertile couple, including ovulation induction, IUI, tubal cannulation, treatment of cervical stenosis, the use of office laparoscopy and therapeutic hysteroscopy, male treatment as support for IVF, vas reversals, and testicular biopsy, as well as routine IVF, intratubal gamete transfer, and micromanipulation. With over 60 illustrations, this book is a must for all infertility specialists, obstetrician-gynecologists, fellows, and residents. Its practical, comprehensive approach will be of daily use to the office practitioner treating women of reproductive age.

David B. Seifer, M.D., is a tenured Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He completed his residency at Stanford University Medical Center and a fellowship at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Seifer is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology with Subspecialty Certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. He has received career development awards from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is a member of the Ostetrics and Gynecology Medical Devices Panel of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Seifer is funded by the NIH for research pertaining to the female reproductive aging.

Robert L. Collins, M.D., Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology, received his M.D. from the University of Tennessee. He completed his residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. He received the National Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine from the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Collins is currently Director, Section of Reproductive Medicine at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio. ... Read more

Book Description

The investigation and management of infertility has progressed radically since the advent of in vitro fertilization. It has ceased to be the province of the gynecologist alone, and often requires the co-operation of gynecologists, andrologists, endocrinologists, embryologists, geneticists, general scientists, psychologists, radiologists, nurses, ultrasonographers, social workers, medical administrators, and lawyers. Many of these do not have a medical background and fewer still have knowledge of the gynecological terms which are still in predominant use. Furthermore, scientific advances have led to the introduction of techniques and terms unfamiliar to the non-scientist, including the gynecologist. This dictionary of reproductive medicine, the first of its kind, has been conceived to address the concerns of all of these groups. ... Read more

Book Description

Reproductive issues from sex and contraception to abortionandcloning have been controversial for centuries, and scientists whoattempted toturn the study of reproduction into a discipline faced an uphillstruggle. AdeleClarke's engrossing story of the search for reproductive knowledgeacross thetwentieth century is colorful and fraught with conflict. Modern scientific study of reproduction, human and animal, began in theUnitedStates in an overlapping triad of fields: biology, medicine, andagriculture.Clarke traces the complicated paths through which physiologicalapproaches toreproduction led to endocrinological approaches, creating along the waynewtechnoscientific products from contraceptives to hormone therapies tonew modesof assisted conceptionfor both humans and animals. She focuses on thechangingrelations and often uneasy collaborations among scientists and the keysocialworlds most interested in their workmajor philanthropists and a widearray offeminist and medical birth control and eugenics advocatesand recountsvividlyhow the reproductive sciences slowly acquired standing. By the 1960s, reproduction was disciplined, and the young and contestedscientific enterprise proved remarkably successful at attracting privatefundingand support. But the controversies continue as womenthe targetedconsumerscreate their own reproductive agendas around the world.Elucidatingthe deep cultural tensions that have permeated reproductive topicshistoricallyand in the present, Disciplining Reproduction gets to the heart of thetwentiethcentury's drive to rationalize reproduction, human and nonhuman, inorder tocontrol life itself. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great
I have red this book few month ago. This is the best book about gynecologyc endocrinology and human reproduction definitely.Except basic scientiphyc aprroach there are lot of practical clinical advises. I am recommending this book to all gynecologists. The best part is about PCOS and cronic anovulations. ... Read more

Book Description

It is the seat of female sexual pleasure, and the passage for both the creation and the birth of humankind. Yet we know less about the vagina than we do about any other organ of the human body. Why?In this dazzling smorgasbord of facts about female genitalia, Catherine Blackledge explores how the vagina has been conceived and misconceived over the centuries. In the past, medicine has misrepresented female sexual anatomy, reducing its remarkable complexities to the notion of a passive vessel. But, as this book shows, science is at last beginning to reveal the true structure and function of female genitalia, and the dynamic nature of the vagina's role in both sexual pleasure and reproduction.With a wide-ranging perspective that takes in prehistoric art, ancient history, linguistics, mythology, evolutinary theory, reproductive biology and medicine, Catherine Blackledge unveils the hidden marvels of the female form. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Book
Gena Corea is a prolific radical feminist thinker whose caustic work can be categorized as polemic to the male status quo especially regarding healthcare and more particularly reproductive technologies. She is a breath of fresh air in a system that claims to, but dares not think of women as equal members of society. Corea unveils the social biases that surround reproduction and her contribution is a direct attack on sexism.

Her writings led to the inspiration and completion of my graduate thesis. For that, I thank her.

Thank you for your time.

very interesting

What first draw my attention was the title
and the cover of this book. I found in it
many ideas that hadn't crossed my mind.
And though this book was written
more than a decade ago, it is amazing to
realize how "in" some of the expressed
ideas, for example cloning, are. Since I
translated parts of the book into greek
I would be very interested to
communicate with the author Gena
Corea and learn
more about her work.

Thank you for sharing my thoughts. ... Read more