Advances in Biosciences 2 documents the proceedings of the Schering Symposium on Biodynamics and Mechanism of Action of Steroid Hormones held in Berlin, on 14-16 March 1968. The volume begins by presenting the opening address on the symposium's main themes followed by a lecture on the factors influencing the nature and significance of research in the biological sciences. The papers presented cover topics such as methods for automatic and semi-automatic assay of steroids; the combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the investigation of complex mixtures; factors controlling steroid hormone metabolism; and the metabolism of free and conjugated estrogens. Other studies deal with the molecular basis of estrogen-binding in target cells; early biochemical events in the mouse testis associated with ultimate induction of interstitial cell tumors by estrogens; biochemical features of androgens; and effects of corticosteroid administration on rats. This book also presents panel discussions on the clinical aspects, biodynamics, and action of steroid hormones.

Advances in the Biosciences 6: Schering Symposium on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors in Early Mammalian Development, Venice, April 20 to 23, 1970 is a collection of papers presented at the Schering Symposium on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors in Early Mammalian Development, held in Venice, Italy, on April 20-23, 1970. Contributors explore intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms underlying early development in mammals and cover topics ranging from transmission of maternal proteins into oocytes to normal and abnormal fertilization in mammals; experimental early parthenogenesis in mammals; and nutrient requirements for the culture of preimplantation embryos in vitro. This book is comprised of 33 chapters and begins with an overview of the oocyte and the egg, touching on subjects such as electron microscopy of the primary and secondary oocyte; experimental early parthenogenesis in mammals; and laparoscopic recovery of pre-ovulatory human oocytes after priming of the ovaries with gonadotrophins. The next section is devoted to intrinsic and extrinsic influence on the metabolism of preimplantation embryos and includes chapters dealing with the composition of oviductal and uterine fluids; the role of uterine proteins in embryonic development; sex chromosome markers as indicators in embryonic development; and manipulations of the blastocyst. The remaining chapters examine placental and fetal physiology, immunology and teratology, and differentiation of tissues. This monograph will be of interest to biologists and physiologists.

Advances in the Biosciences 8 is a collection of papers presented in a workshop on "Mechanisms and Prospects of Genetic Exchange, sponsored by Schering Pharma AG, held in Berlin, Germany in 1972. The book presents various research works from various scientific disciplines in line with the workshop's theme. The workshop is organized into 3 sessions. Session I: Genetic Exchange at the Molecular Level discusses such topics as enzymology of genetic recombination; studies on transcription and ligation of RNA; and expression and integration of viral DNA in animal cells. Session II: Genetic Exchange at the Cellular and Organelle Level covers topics on germinal cell membranes; application of cell fusion techniques to the study of mammalian embryology; and correction of genetic defects in cultured mammalian cells. The last session, titled "Present and Future Application to Medical Practice provides the summary and conclusion of the workshop and certain topics on the therapy of genetic diseases in man and the possible place of genetic engineering; and cellular engineering as an approach to the treatment of genetically determined disease. Molecular biologists, geneticists, cell biologists, biophysicists, immunologists and other experts in allied fields will find the compendium interesting.

Advances in the Biosciences 5: Schering Workshop on Pharmacokinetics, Berlin, May 8 and 9, 1969 is a collection of papers presented at the Schering Workshop on Pharmacokinetics held in Berlin, Germany, on May 8 and 9, 1969. Contributors focus on advances in the field of pharmacokinetics, including the use of digital computers in defining pharmacokinetic parameters and of mathematical models in the study of steroid dynamics. The pharmacokinetics of acetazolamide and endogenous substances is also described. This book is comprised of 19 chapters and begins with an overview of the basic concepts and experimental methods of pharmacokinetics, followed by a discussion on the general physico-chemical aspects of drug distribution. Subsequent chapters explore multiple dose elimination kinetics and drug accumulation in patients with normal and impaired kidney function; the application of analog and digital computers in pharmacokinetics; use of mathematical tools in defining pharmacokinetic parameters; and measurement of enteric absorption rate using a double tracer technique. Mathematical and statistical problems in pharmacokinetics are also presented. This monograph will be a useful resource for pharmacologists and biologists.

Includes subject section, name section, and 1968-1970, technical reports.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

The advent of human in vitro fertilization and developments in molecular science have made it possible to diagnose genetic disease in fetuses at a very early stage of development. This book presents the most recent advances and developments in this new area of applied research. Experts in the field describe and discuss the latest technology, from micromanipulation of single cells to sophisticated methods of DNA analysis. The book considers the implications of this new technology for fetal screening and the prevention of genetic disease, as well as for the control and manipulation of the normal sex ratio. It draws together current knowledge and discusses the new clinical opportunities for disease prevention. The book begins with an overview of the genetics of some common inherited diseases and the historical development of prenatal screening. It then draws together the most recent advances in preimplantation diagnostic techniques, including tissue assays for specific genetic disorders, and methods for typing and separating spermatozoa. The practical aspects of the new methodologies are considered, along with the potential for developing safer, more reliable and less invasive methods of diagnosis. The ethical and legal implications of this diagnostic approach are also discussed.