Each year more than 4 million children are born with birth defects. This book highlights the unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of children and families in developing countries by preventing some birth defects and reducing the consequences of others. A number of developing countries with more comprehensive health care systems are making significant progress in the prevention and care of birth defects. In many other developing countries, however, policymakers have limited knowledge of the negative impact of birth defects and are largely unaware of the affordable and effective interventions available to reduce the impact of certain conditions. Reducing Birth Defects: Meeting the Challenge in the Developing World includes descriptions of successful programs and presents a plan of action to address critical gaps in the understanding, prevention, and treatment of birth defects in developing countries. This study also recommends capacity building, priority research, and institutional and global efforts to reduce the incidence and impact of birth defects in developing countries.

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment reviews advances made during the last 10-15 years in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It describes a novel approach for how these advances might be used in combination with existing methodologies to further the understanding of mechanisms of developmental toxicity, to improve the assessment of chemicals for their ability to cause developmental toxicity, and to improve risk assessment for developmental defects. For example, based on the recent advances, even the smallest, simplest laboratory animals such as the fruit fly, roundworm, and zebrafish might be able to serve as developmental toxicological models for human biological systems. Use of such organisms might allow for rapid and inexpensive testing of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause developmental toxicity; presently, there are little or no developmental toxicity data available for the majority of natural and manufactured chemicals in use. This new approach to developmental toxicology and risk assessment will require simultaneous research on several fronts by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, including developmental toxicologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.

"This book provides a complete look at neonatal healthcare delivery. This edition includes discussions of contemporary topics of interest, such as informatics, genetics, global health, and family-centered care, which are vital to providers caring for neonates today. The case studies and the evidence-based practice dialogues at the end of each chapter provide great opportunities for further reflection. The book is useful to a wide audience in nursing, including undergraduate and graduate nursing students, practicing neonatal and pediatric nurses, and advanced practice nurses who care for neonates." Score: 92, 4 Stars.--Doody's Medical Reviews This 'classic' has been thoroughly updated to incorporate the most up-to-date research findings and strategies for providing cost-effective and evidence-based care. New chapters address emerging infections, the late preterm infant, and neonatal care from a global perspective. Included are updated neonatal care protocols and procedures, neuroprotective risk factors, new treatments, and new trends in developmental care. Text integrates the Institute of Medicine's (10M) five competencies, reflects the Affordable Healthcare Act and the Robert Wood Johnson and 10M report "The Future of Nursing." The text continues to provide neonatal care from a physiologic and pathophysiologic approach, with a major emphasis on nursing management at the bedside and advanced practice level. Each neonatal body system is presented, along with E-B interventions to assist in understanding the 'why' behind what is seen in the clinical area. Integrative management is threaded through the text along with extensive research findings to support practice strategies and rationales for sound clinical decision-making. Topics of recent interest include iatrogenic complications, neonatal pain, use of computers or other technology in neonatal care, and neonatal AIDS. Case studies enhance understanding of both common and rare neonatal conditions. New to the Fifth Edition: New chapters: emerging infections, the late preterm infant, and neonatal care from a global perspective Updated neonatal care protocols and procedures, neuroprotective factors, new treatment modalities and new trends in developmental care Tackles the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Addresses the expansion of the nurse's role in the US and worldwide Provides case studies that lead the reader through the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of common and rare neonatal conditions

This multi-author work deals with the practical aspects of teratogens - chemicals which cause birth defects. It is designed for use as a unique guide to these chemicals in which one can find all relevant information. The issues covered include: how to obtain information about the teratogenic potential of chemicals; teratogenic chemicals in undergraduate chemistry laboratories; safe handling of teratogenic chemicals; teratogenicity of pesticides and other pollutants in the environment; occupational exposure and pregnancy outcome; identification and prevention of reproductive hazards in industry; and the long-term effects of chemicals on the developing brain. A list of approximately 5,000 chemicals known to cause reproductive effects is given. A comprehensive bibliography is included with each chapter providing up-to-date references for more in-depth coverage. The monograph will be of interest to academic and industrial chemists, health professionals, as well as both undergraduate and graduate students in health and related sciences.

Surprisingly, the beginning of a modern approach This collection of articles and commentaries is an to the problems of birth defects is relatively recent integration of information from many disciplines, and dates from Gregg's classical report in 1941 that and presents a comprehensive survey of both recent mothers who contracted rubella during the first tri and previously reported work related to the major mester of pregnancy gave birth to infants with severe aspects of birth defects. In particular, an attempt multiple anomalies. For the first time, an environ has been made to provide a critical assessment of mental agent was found to be teratogenic in man current concepts and to identify areas in need of and was documented in a thoroughly convincing further investigation. manner. Since then, many important discoveries The scope of this volume and space limitations and significant developments have been made, par precluded discussion of and reference to all papers ticularly in the areas of environmental teratogenesis, of relevance or importance: a work of the present hereditary mechanisms, and prenatal diagnosis. nature must necessarily be selective. Some good In recent years, there has been an impressive papers have been left out or given relatively little surge of interest in the causes and prevention of consideration. It is my hope that the list of Further birth defects. Undoubtedly this resulted not only References will be consulted and should compensate from the thalidomide tragedy, but also from the for this lack of completeness.

Each year in the United States approximately 440,000 babies are born premature. These infants are at greater risk of death, and are more likely to suffer lifelong medical complications than full-term infants. Clinicians and researchers have made vast improvements in treating preterm birth; however, little success has been attained in understanding and preventing preterm birth. Understanding the complexity of interactions underlying preterm birth will be needed if further gains in outcomes are expected. The Institute of Medicine's Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research, and Medicine sponsored a workshop to understand the biological mechanism of normal labor and delivery, and how environmental influences, as broadly defined, can interact with the processes of normal pregnancy to result in preterm birth. This report is a summary of the main themes presented by the speakers and participants.

Links information on experimental teratogenic agents with the congenital defects in human beings.

Explaining the practical implications of new discoveries in 'life-course biology', Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding is an informed resource on factors that affect offspring development. The impact of parental lifestyle and behavioural choices influence not only fetal development and birth outcomes, but also postnatal development, yet guidance on appropriate diet, behaviour, and exposures during pregnancy is often confusing and contradictory. With accessible explanations of the latest scientific research, and clear summaries and recommendations, this book is a valuable and authoritative guide for all levels of health care providers. The authors provide an overview of the background evidence, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices prior to and during pregnancy. In-depth discussions of nutritional and lifestyle factors that impact on pregnancy and offspring outcomes are based on the latest research and exploration of key scientific studies. Nutrition and Lifestyle for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding is a manual offering both scientific and clinical evidence to empower health care providers and ensure they have the information necessary to confidently care for prospective and new parents.