Bentham Science Publishers

Malaria takes a great toll on human health and well-being, particularly in tropical regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania and parts of the Americas. In recent years, some Plasmodium strains have become increasingly resistant to all classes of conventional antimalarial drugs currently in use. Researchers have, therefore, stepped up efforts to revise atimalarial drug policies, develop new drugs, and implement new strategies to combat this disease. In order to prevent widespread resistance, antimalarial combination therapies (ACTs) have been deployed and a World Antimalarial Resistance Network has been established as a means of anitimalarial drug resistance surveillance. Artemisinin-based combination therapies have proven to be useful as a replacement for standard regimens. Currently, these ACTs successfully cure patients suffering from uncomplicated malaria with superior efficacy and lower toxicity, but there remains a huge challenge (high mortality rate) associated with treatment of severe malaria. Studies of drug disposition and drug efficacy (PK/PD evaluations) are essential to understanding why drugs work as antimalarials as they illustrate issues with drug resistance, drug safety and drug toxicity that are critical to finding the appropriate drug dose for patients.

This eBook illustrates how currently available combination antimalarial drugs can be optimized for effective malaria treatment. Chapters in this book explain methods to select combination drugs based on PK/PD evaluations followed by methods o reduce drug toxicity based on these evaluations. The book also summarizes efforts that are being made by the research community to improve ACT. It is, therefore, a handy reference for medical professionals and pharmacologists working on antimalarial drugs.

Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Cardiovascular Disease Complications is an essential textbook that comprehensively informs the reader about a broad variety of cardiovascular pathologies and their management through drug therapy.

Key Features:

- Features 22 chapters, with 17 chapters dedicated to the management of a wide range of cardiomyopathies and related complications

- Introduces readers to heart anatomy and physiology, for both medical and pharmacology students

- Covers information on cardiovascular disease biomarkers as well as current and new technologies for diagnostic procedures

- Provides additional information on different aspects of cardiovascular disease treatment including etiological factors, prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and prevention factors, risk screening and complications

- Informs readers on the role of the clinical pharmacist in patient lifestyle modification for therapeutic plans, helping to reduce cardiovascular disease burden in clinical practice

The broad coverage and easy-to-read organization of the topics covered on the subject make this textbook an ideal reference for medical students and health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, clinical pharmacists, community pharmacists and paramedics.

Phosphorylated Extracellular Matrix Proteins of Bone and Dentin is the second volume of the e-book series Frontiers between Science and Clinic in Odontology. The phosphorylated proteins of the extracellular matrix of bone and teeth play a crucial structural role in the two tissues. They also act as signaling molecules. Phosphorylated extracellular matrix proteins have been implicated in nucleation and mineralization of skeletal tissues. This e-book covers research on these specific proteins, including details about the cells producing these molecules, their impact on bone and teeth pathology (osteogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta) and the potential of these molecules in promoting of inhibiting mineralization.

This e-book also explains processes under the control of some enzymes - TNAP and metalloproteases (MMPs) - such as intracellular regulation in bone and dentine, splicing, respective roles of cleavage products, SIBLINGs, nucleation and crystal growth and regulation.

This second volume serves as a valuable reference to practicing odontologists, biology and biomaterials scientists and tissue engineers interested in protein research related to tooth and bone formation.

This E-Book covers the research and the development of a novel generation of photonic devices for sensing applications. The E-Book starts with a brief review of basic photonic crystal (PhC) structure related concepts and describes the numerical and technological tools useful in the design and fabrication of devices based on PhCs. Next, the E-Book provides a selection of crossover topics emerging in the scientific community as breaking through researches, technologies and sciences for the development of novel technological platforms for physical, chemical and biological sensing. The E-Book ends with a description of the main PhC sensors to date by representing many of the exciting sensing applications that utilize photonic crystal structures.

This reference provides collective information about the physical and photophysical changes of supramolecules after encapsulation. It covers luminescent systems involving a range of host molecules such as calixarenes, cyclodextrin, resorcinanene-crowns, pillararenes, cucurbituril, and metallacycles. Chapters also discuss the effect of the macrocyclic environment on the properties of functionalized molecules, including the variations in folding and unfolding patterns. Each chapter is supplemented with detailed references, making this an ideal resource for scholars interested in supramolecular photophysics.

This volume covers the methods of using skin penetrating agents, the therapeutic applications of physical penetration enhancers and devices in the market. Chapters cover topics such as transdermal drug delivery through iontophoresis, gene therapy, physiotherapy, skin disorders, vaccination, and pharmacology. Devices covered in this volume include micro needles, nano-carrier and gene delivery systems.

This volume is a handy resource for professionals in medicine (dermatologists), biopharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, drug design and development (scientists and pharmaceutical R&D executives).

The book is dedicated to the history and current status of physiologic autoimmunity concept and relation between autoimmunity and autoallergy in the context of disease prevention and prediction. The immune system is a natural component, regulator and direct participant in the physiological activities in a healthy body. The main forms of physiological activity of the immune system are based on the intrinsic abilities of self-identification, self-maintenance, self-regulation, and self-reparation — that is recognizing components of the “self", i.e. natural autoimmunity. The most ancient and homeostatically important functions of natural autoimmunity are autoclearance as well as construction and support of multicellularity. A considerable number of immune functions, including those related to antimicrobial defense, derive from these basic ones. Various pathological processes in any organ are usually accompanied by different patterns of cell death and, thus, by increased exposure and presentation of self antigens. These events induce the secondary rise in production of autoantibodies with appropriate specificity (opsonines), which provides augmentation of clearance by facilitating the efficacy of macrophage-dependent consumption of debris in the aff ected organ. This phenomenon is sanogenic in nature and adaptive in essence. Therefore, secondary changes in production and serum content of autoantibodies can be considered the universal and earliest detectable marker of any chronic disease. In relation to experimental production and clinical reveal of antibodies towards nuclear antigens, penetrating into living cell nuclei and altering nuclear acid synthesis, cell proliferation and function, autoantibodies can be regarded as hormone-like bioregulators of gene expression. Apparently, immune system is able to reproduce complementary regulators for various cell receptors, including nuclear ones.

Book is unique, it is a single monograph comprehensively including history and current status of natural autoimmunity problem. It describes a fundamental concept essencial for every branch of Medicine and Pathology. The concept described has broad practical application for Health Care, because it establishes effective method of early prediction for many different diseases, creates a basis for prophylaxis. Reader has a chance to get rid of old dogmas and acquire new instrument for fruitful theoretical reasoning, research planning and predictive/preventive practical medical work.

Phytochemical compounds are secondary metabolites that plants usually synthesize for their own protection from pests and diseases. Phytochemical biosynthesis is also triggered under specific environmental conditions. They cannot be classified as essential nutrients since they are not required at specific amounts for life sustenance. Phytochemicals in Vegetables: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds presents information about the phytochemical (common and scarce) content of several cultivated vegetables, as well as their health and therapeutic effects based on in vitro, in vivo, animal and clinical studies. Chapters also cover recent research findings about their mode of action, bioavailabity, interactions with other biological matrices and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, the book gives special attention to the factors that may alter and modulate bioactive compound content, including both cultivation practices and post-harvest treatments that aim towards the production of high quality and healthy foods. Researchers, public health workers, consumers and members of the food industry will find this book to be a useful reference on the variety of phytochemicals present in vegetables.

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Recent research demonstrates that phytochemicals are critical in preventing and managing gastrointestinal cancer. The increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms are also known to counter Helicobacter pylori infection and modulate gut microbiota. There is preliminary data suggesting that daily supplementation with high doses of certain vitamins combined with conventional therapeutic agents may enhance their growth inhibitory effects on tumor cells and protect normal tissues against some of their toxic effects. This book attempts to fill gaps on the role of phytonutrients in the treatment of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It discusses the action of individual vitamins on cellular and molecular parameters and describes how vitamins inhibit protein kinase C activity, increase the production of certain growth factors, and modulate the expression of a number of oncogenes. The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part summarizes the pathophysiology of GIT cancers and introduces readers to anticancer phytonutrients. A chapter on the status of FDA approved nutraceuticals rounds up this section. The second part of the book provides a systematic review on the different plant derived chemicals that can be used to treat GIT cancer. Each chapter in this section focuses on a specific type of phytochemical agent and its molecular mechanisms relevant to the disease. This book will give the reader a holistic view of gastrointestinal cancer treatment and the value of natural compounds in developing functional food and drugs for preventive medicine.

This book provides valuable knowledge about environmentally friendly methods of nanoparticle synthesis. The contents present information about the subject from synthesis, characterization, advantages, disadvantages, route of administrations up to effects of drug combinations.

Starting with an introduction to the concept of green nanoparticles, the book summarizes different types of plant extracts and their components. Green methods for preparing nanotherapeutic agents utilizing algae and marine plants to synthesize metal based nanoparticles are also explained. The book also places an emphasis on the improvement of metal nanoparticle formulations with polymers for antibacterial applications. A detailed review of the interaction of nanoparticles with or without drugs rounds the contents, with a guide to easily understand their site of action along with suitable reactions in the body.

This book is a primer on nanoparticle synthesis for pharmacology or nanomedicine programs that focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly methodologies for synthesizing therapeutics.

Biofuels are currently used as a viable alternative energy source in several countries. Plant-Based Genetic Tools for Biofuels Production explains biotechnological techniques and concepts that are applied to increase biofuel yield from plants and algae. Chapters of the book cover a variety of topics: the basic research techniques (cell suspension, embryogenesis, protoplast fusion), plant genetics (plant DNA mutations, new plant breeding techniques, viral genetic vectors for heterologous gene expression, sub cellular proteomes), genomic resources and bioinformatics tools, plant species with bioenergy and biofuel potential, factors influencing biomass yield, advances in cultivation technologies, fermentation of different substrates for ethanol production, and microalgae biomass technologies.

Readers will gain a thorough understanding of modern biofuel production.

Plant-Based Genetic Tools for Biofuels Production is a suitable reference for students in biotechnology and bioinformatics programs as well as researchers interested in information about the basics of biofuel production.

Plant-derived Hepatoprotective Drugs is a comprehensive guide that explores the world of medicinal plants and their hepatoprotective properties, offering both basic and applied insights for scholars and hepatology residents. Structured chapters provide a deep dive into the subject, while referencing relevant research and future perspectives. Readers will learn the science behind hepatotoxicity and the role of plants in safeguarding liver health. The book also helps researchers to explore bioactive compounds extracted from plants, along with herbal formulations that contribute to hepatoprotection, and conveys an understanding of the effects of edible plants and spices on liver wellness. A chapter focusing on isolation and characterization of phytochemicals bridges theory and application for discovering and developing hepatoprotective biopharmaceuticals. Key Features: Gives a thorough understanding of hepatotoxicity and related bioactive compounds Comprehensive references to enhance understanding Well-structured chapters providing organized knowledge Basic and applied information for diverse readers Future perspectives offering a glimpse into ongoing research This is an ideal reference for pharmacology scholars and residents in hepatology, as well as readers interested in nature's potential in promoting liver health.

The era of globalization has brought about unprecedented social, political, and environmental challenges for policy makers around the world due to the global impact of economic decisions. In view of these challenges, economics, as a discipline, needs to be taught with the goal of broadening the dialogue on social responsibility, and developing a new pluralist culture of decision making which is inclusive to different schools of economic thought. Pluralist Readings in Economics: Key-concepts and policy tools for the 21st century highlights the long-standing debates regarding economic systems, business models, criteria of justice, and economic policies by providing conceptual openings to economic theory in an engaging and accessible way. The author provides broad coverage of relevant topics through the selection of influential economic thinkers and introduces the reader to their ideas, context, and relevant interpretations. While dealing with complex problems, the author goes beyond commonly known concepts by presenting questions on the historical context of globalization. The study of economic concepts in this way leads to asking new questions concerning various issues relevant to economics. The goal of the text is to provide an interdisciplinary perspective to readers in order to equip them with information that is key to address global economic challenges. Thus, this pluralist approach calls for a reflection of the evolution of global social and economic conditions to demonstrate problem solving approaches that align with the goal of addressing these challenges.

Pluralist Readings in Economics: Key-concepts and policy tools for the 21st century is suitable to a broad interdisciplinary readership as it will benefit all those who seek to better understand the complex stakes of the capitalist system, in the tensions between regulatory policies, free market equilibria, and participatory openings in governance. This introductory work also prepares the reader for debates and discussion in economic theory aimed at shaping policy transformations towards a more equitable, just and sustainable world.

Over the last few decades, numerous nanoparticle platforms have been studied for their use in therapeutic applications. This book deals with the description of the construction of technical systems that combines different functionalities which bring liposomes, polymer-drug conjugates, polymer-protein conjugates, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymerosomes and other nanoparticles into the realm of nanotechnology proper, as opposed to traditional pharmacology or supramolecular chemistry. The volume additionally covers topics such as passive and active targeting, the strategies used for drug targeting, and the synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanoparticle platforms. Targeted polymeric nanomedicines have shown exciting results in preclinical studies, demonstrating their potential as therapeutic carriers. Therefore, the development of polymeric nanomedicines as therapeutic agents has generated great enthusiasm both in academia and industry.

The book is systematically divided into chapters devoted to a class of polymeric nanomedicines. Each chapter also describes relevant aspects relating to drug design and targeting of polymeric nanomedicines wherever possible.

In addition, a series of chapters concerning the contribution of polymeric nanomedicines in the treatment of several categories of diseases including cancer, inflammatory, renal, immunological diseases, and brain disorders is also presented.

Key features of this book include:

- A comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of polymeric nanomedicines available in a single dedicated volume

- Discussions on advances in drug delivery systems for a variety of diseases

- more than 2000 references, tables, equations, and drawings

Readers, whether beginners or experts, will find in this book, contemporary and relevant information regarding the synthesis, evaluation and applications of polymeric nanomedicines. Supplemented with extensive bibliographic references, tables and figures, this book is an essential and incomparable reference for medicinal chemists, biologists, and medical (oncologic) researchers, as well as for scientists, undergraduate and graduate students in the field of medical bioengineering and polymer nanoscience.

Polymers in Modern Medicine – Part 2 examines the innovative use of polymers in advanced healthcare applications, focusing on personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and diagnostics. The book highlights groundbreaking topics such as polymer-based nanomedicine for cancer therapy, polymeric hydrogels, biopolymers, and the role of polymers in diagnostics and vaccines. Building on foundational principles, it explores polymeric approaches to sustainable and patient-specific treatments.

Readers will gain a deep understanding of emerging polymer technologies and biocompatible materials and their impact on cutting-edge medical solutions. This resource bridges the gap between scientific research and practical implementation in the pharmaceutical, biomaterial, and medical device industries.

Key Features:

- Covers polymers in regenerative medicine, nanomedicine, and diagnostics.

- Insights into polymeric hydrogels, biopolymers, and smart polymers.

- Sustainability and patient-specific applications in healthcare.

Postbiotics: Science, Technology, and Applications explains fundamental and applied knowledge about postbiotics. Chapters cover the definition and classification of postbiotics, principal methods for preparing them, information about the main postbiotic constituents and their biological activities and their clinical health benefits. The authors also familiarize the reader with potential applications of postbiotics in the food industry, pharmaceutical chemistry, medicine, and veterinary practice. The text is supported by informative illustrations, tables, and references for further reading. This comprehensive reference, with its emphasis on both basic and applied knowledge, is useful for researchers, academics, veterinarians, and students in the field of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, biotechnology, food science, and agriculture.

This volume is a complete review of the cutting-edge scientific evidence about the isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular analysis of the biologically active peptides (BAPs) obtained from several underutilized grains. It provides a general review of current and new technologies in isolating and bioprospecting BAPs before going into the details of 11 grains. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, lupin, mung bean, chickpea, broad bean, cocoa bean and chia are extensively discussed in dedicated chapters. Additionally, these chapters provide information about the characteristics of the crop, its main varieties, traditional uses, economic importance, nutritional aspects, structure and chemical composition of the grains, as well as the classification and distribution of the grain protein fractions. Moreover, the advances in the analytical techniques used for the concentration, purification and molecular characterization of BAPs are described. The impact of BAPs in the promotion of health is highlighted, as well as their potential incorporation as promising ingredients in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Finally, the main findings related to the potential antiviral and anti-COVID-19 activities of BAPs derived from underutilized grains are described. This reference will be of interest for academics, professionals and researchers focused in food science, biotechnology, pharmacology and agriculture, and to professionals involved in the research and development of natural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Practical Digital Forensics: A Guide for Windows and Linux Users is a comprehensive resource for novice and experienced digital forensics investigators. This guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions, case studies, and real-world examples to help readers conduct investigations on both Windows and Linux operating systems. It covers essential topics such as configuring a forensic lab, live system analysis, file system and registry analysis, network forensics, and anti-forensic techniques. The book is designed to equip professionals with the skills to extract and analyze digital evidence, all while navigating the complexities of modern cybercrime and digital investigations.

Key Features:

- Forensic principles for both Linux and Windows environments.

- Detailed instructions on file system forensics, volatile data acquisition, and network traffic analysis.

- Advanced techniques for web browser and registry forensics.

- Addresses anti-forensics tactics and reporting strategies.

Maintaining ideal fish health and production, both of farmed and wild fish populations, requires continuous infrastructural and process upgrades to avoid significant losses as well as to facilitate seafood safety. Aquaculture is multidisciplinary in nature, combining knowledge from biology, veterinary medicine and food technology.

Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production brings an integrated approach concerning practical aspects of ichthyology, fish health and aquaculture systems. The textbook will give readers a better understanding of issues related to the management of fish health and production, seafood processing, security, quality and safety.

The book is organized in three sections which cover 1) general aspects of fish biology and development, 2) fish diseases and veterinary medicine, and 3) aquaculture and marine food supply chain management.

Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production is an essential text for students, food industry professionals and novice fish farmers undertaking courses or training programs in veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and marine food processing systems.

Pragmatic Internet of Everything (IOE) has emerged as a powerful paradigm for representing and solving complex problems. This reference demonstrates how to coordinate behaviour among a collection of semi-autonomous problem-solving agents: how they can coordinate their knowledge, goals and plans to act together, to solve joint problems, or to make individually or globally rational decisions in the face of uncertainty and multiple, conflicting perspectives.

The book presents a collection of articles surveying several major recent developments in Pragmatic Internet of Everything (IOE). The book focuses on issues and challenges that arise in building IOE systems for smart cities in real-world settings. It also presents solutions to the issues faced by system architects. The synthesis of recent thinking, both theoretical and applied, on major IOE problems makes this essential reading for anyone involved in the design and planning of IOT systems for smart cities.

Key Features

- Summarizes available literature and practical ventures with references

- Merges different perspectives on IoT technology thereby giving a 360-degree perspective to the reader

- Gives some tips for implementation of practical ventures in this space

- Includes an analysis of information gathered from citizens of smart cities

The simple assessment of atherosclerotic risk factors is not an accurate tool to predict the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults without past history of atherosclerotic disease. Preclinical atherosclerotic increases the global cardiovascular risk and should be evaluated for a better risk stratification. Intima-media thickness (IMT), reduced ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) and impaired flow mediated dilatation (FMD) are independent markers of multifocal but subclinical atherosclerosis and result associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular events. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) may be a useful non-invasive technique to detect silent coronary disease (CAD) in patients with peripheral preclinical atherosclerosis. This ebook outlines "preclinical athersclerosis" and its markers in clinical practice. The ebook gives simple but clear information for a better stratification of global cardiovascular risk. The text serves as an important guide for medical professionals involved in the management of cardiovascular patients.

This book presents a selection of the latest and representative developments in predictive analytics using big data technologies. It focuses on some critical aspects of big data and machine learning and provides studies for readers. The chapters address a comprehensive range of advanced data technologies used for statistical modeling towards predictive analytics.

Topics included in this book include:

- Categorized machine learning algorithms

- Player monopoly in cricket teams.

- Chain type estimators

- Log type estimators

- Bivariate survival data using shared inverse Gaussian frailty models

- Weblog analysis

- COVID-19 epidemiology

This reference book will be of significant benefit to the predictive analytics community as a useful guide of the latest research in this emerging field.

This concise clinical reference facilitates health consultants and professionals for determining treatment options for some common prenatal and postpartum infections during pregnancy and the puerperium in patients.

Key Features

- Presents 9 organized, easy to read chapters on anti-infective agents for pregnant patients

- Covers pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of relevant anti-infective agents

- Includes information on classification and safety of anti-infective agents

- Includes treatment of urinary tract infections

- Covers medications for sexually transmitted diseases, including a complete section dedicated to HIV medication

- Provides information about vulvovaginal infections

- Covers the treatment of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy

- innovates with information about herbal remedies for infection for patients during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and Anti-Infective Agents is therefore, a valuable handbook that enables quick consultation on safe antibiotics for the treatment of a variety of infections in pregnancy.

This ebook addresses the impact of prenatal exposure to alcohol, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It presents a compilation of current research by leading experts in the field and serves as a guide to future directions in FASD research, interventions and treatment. The book includes a comprehensive compendium of our knowledge of the dangers of prenatal alcohol exposure and covers ways to screen and intervene with pregnant women, diagnosis and treatment to ameliorate the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (through the lifespan), and other related issues, such as building a state infrastructure of health services and legislation. The ebook is intended as a textbook for graduate courses relevant to FASD.